Thoracic Imaging in the Intensive Care Unit

Chest radiography is the most common radiological ex amination performed in the United States. Of the more than 260,000 radiological examinations performed an nually at our institution, slightly more than 21% are portable chest radiographs. Routine bedside radio graphs are common in the intensive care unit setting and are a vital component of daily rounds. Critical man agement decisions are often based in whole or in part on radiological findings; it is therefore imperative that in tensive care physicians understand the principles of chest radiography. Thoracic imaging of disease pro cesses most often encountered in the intensive care unit will be reviewed, with emphasis on chest radiographs. Newer imaging modalities, including computed tomog raphy, sonography, and magnetic resonance, will be dis cussed as they pertain to patients in intensive care units.