Session 9: Thoracic and Pulmonary Imaging

Overview:
This session focuses on the detection, diagnosis, and management of thoracic and pulmonary disorders using advanced imaging techniques. Radiologists play a crucial role in evaluating lung and mediastinal abnormalities, guiding interventions, and monitoring treatment response to optimize patient outcomes.

Key Focus Areas:

• Imaging interpretation of chest X-rays, CT scans, MRI, and PET-CT for thoracic and pulmonary pathology

• Identification and characterization of lung tumors, infections, inflammatory conditions, and structural abnormalities

• Radiologic-pathologic correlation to guide diagnosis and therapeutic decisions

• Image-guided biopsies and minimally invasive thoracic procedures

• Monitoring therapy response and detecting disease progression or recurrence

Imaging Techniques Covered:

• Chest X-ray: Initial assessment of pulmonary and mediastinal abnormalities

• CT Scan: High-resolution evaluation of lung parenchyma, mediastinum, and pleura

• MRI: Detailed imaging for mediastinal masses and complex thoracic anatomy

• PET-CT: Functional imaging for tumor detection, staging, and treatment response

• Image-Guided Biopsy: CT- or ultrasound-guided core needle biopsies to obtain tissue while preserving architecture

Session Objective:
Provide a comprehensive overview of modern thoracic and pulmonary imaging, emphasizing accurate diagnosis, effective image-guided interventions, and optimal patient care.