CT OF THE THORAX

There is no doubt that CT has become a well established mode of imaging for evaluating the thorax. Its graphic cross sectional display of the thorax often simplifies the detection of an abnormality. There are many pitfalls, however, in CT interpretation which become apparent as one begins to analyze the images more critically, and as images from higher resolution scanners become available. To our present level of understanding and based on some 2,000 CT examinations of the thorax, we have described these pitfalls as they relate to the mediastinum, lung, pleura, and miscellaneous areas. In general these pitfalls may be created by: 1. Normal anatomic variation 2. The level of the CT slice and partial volume effect 3. The mobility of the mediastinum and supine position of the patient