Chest computed tomography predicts microbiological burden and symptoms in pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi.

Background And Objective: The development of computed tomography (CT) findings usually precedes the diagnosis of pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacterial infection. The utility of specific CT scan features, although often available long before respiratory sample cultures, is not fully understood. We sought to assess associations among CT features, symptoms and microbiological disease criteria in pulmonary Mycobacterium xenopi isolation.

Screening for malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer in individuals with a history of asbestos exposure.

Purpose: We established a screening program for prior asbestos workers using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT).

Methods: Between March 2005 and October 2007 we performed LDCT (50-60 mA, 120 kV, 1.25 mm) in 516 asbestos-exposed individuals.

The use of computer-aided detection for the assessment of pulmonary arterial filling defects at computed tomographic angiography.

Purpose: To validate a computer-aided detection (CAD) tool for the detection of pulmonary arterial filling defects at computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) and to assess its benefit for readers of different levels of experience.

Methods: One hundred consecutive CTPA studies were retrospectively evaluated by a chest radiologist for presence of emboli, serving as the reference standard. Subsequently, examinations were analyzed using commercially available second-generation CAD software (ImageChecker CT, version 2.