Chest imaging techniques are evolving with recent advances in computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasonography. While conventional radiography remains an important screening tool because of its low relative cost, ease of acquisition, general availability, and familiarity, physicians must understand all techniques so as to provide patients with the most appropriate diagnostic imaging. Consultation with radiologists, use of online clinical decision support, and adherence to national guidelines such as the American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria®, can help clinicians make imaging decisions, especially in light of medical imaging risks that are of concern in the medical community and the general population. Choosing appropriate imaging, including whether or not to image, requires careful consideration.
This review contains 6 figures, 3 tables, and 6 references.
Key Words: Chest Radiographs, Dual-Energy Chest Radiographs, Computed Tomography, High-Resolution Chest Computed Tomography, Multidetector Row Computed Tomography, Computed Tomographic Angiography for Pulmonary Embolism, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Single-Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT), Ultrasonography