Imaging the post-thoracotomy patient: anatomic changes and postoperative complications

Jeffrey B Alpert; Myrna C B Godoy; Patricia M Degroot; Mylene T Truong; Jane P Ko

doi:10.1016/j.rcl.2013.08.008

Imaging the post-thoracotomy patient: anatomic changes and postoperative complications

Radiol Clin North Am. 2014 Jan;52(1):85-103. doi: 10.1016/j.rcl.2013.08.008. Epub 2013 Sep 14.

Authors

Jeffrey B Alpert¹, Myrna C B Godoy, Patricia M Degroot, Mylene T Truong, Jane P Ko

Affiliation

¹ Thoracic Imaging, Department of Radiology, NYU Langone Medical Center, 660 First Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA. Electronic address: Jeffrey.Alpert@nyumc.org.

PMID: 24267712
DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2013.08.008

Abstract

Thoracotomy with lung resection produces postoperative changes that can be challenging for the radiologist. Complications related to anatomic and physiologic changes, infection, and breakdown of surgical anastomoses can significantly increase morbidity and mortality. Prompt and accurate diagnosis of serious postoperative complications is essential.

Keywords: Bronchopleural fistula; Empyema; Lobectomy; Pneumonectomy; Postoperative complications; Postpneumonectomy; Thoracotomy.

MeSH terms

Bronchial Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
Bronchial Fistula / etiology
Empyema / diagnostic imaging*
Empyema / etiology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pleural Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
Pleural Diseases / etiology
Pneumonectomy
Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging
Pneumonia / etiology
Postoperative Complications
Pulmonary Edema / diagnostic imaging*
Pulmonary Edema / etiology
Respiratory Distress Syndrome / diagnostic imaging
Respiratory Distress Syndrome / etiology
Respiratory Tract Fistula / diagnostic imaging*
Respiratory Tract Fistula / etiology
Thoracotomy*
Tomography, X-Ray Computed