The many faces of pulmonary aspiration

AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1999 Jan;172(1):121-8. doi: 10.2214/ajr.172.1.9888751.

Abstract

The clinical and radiologic manifestations of aspiration are truly protean. The diagnosis is straightforward in patients with known risk factors and new radiographic findings in dependent portions of lung. However, diagnosis is difficult in patients without known risk factors or who present with less specific radiologic findings. Careful history-taking skills and knowledge of the diverse radiologic appearances of aspiration are thus required to facilitate diagnosis and expedite treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / etiology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed