I. "The Many Faces of Atelectasis": Course will review protean radiographic manifestations of atelectasis and volume loss. Various types of atelectasis will be defined and described including obstructive, non-obstructive, and postoperative atelectasis. Direct and indirect radiographic signs of atelectasis will be illustrated classic radiographic signs of atelectasis and volume loss highlighted. Morphologic and radiographic features of lobar atelectasis will be presented. Special situations leading to atelectasis and volume loss will be presented including rounded atelectasis and middle lobe syndrome. II. "Anormal Intrathoracic Gas Collections": This course will review the radiographic detection of abnormal intrathoracic gas collections, with a focus on the detection of pneumothorax on portable radiography. We will review the radiographic findings in pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium and extra pleural gas collections and their radiographic mimics. While most abnormal intrathoracic gas collections are innocuous, there are specific situations, such as pneumomediastinum in a patient with esophageal perforation or tracheobronchial injury, that require urgent management. III. "Radiographic Misses and Mysteries": Despite widespread clinical use, accurate chest radiographic interpretation is challenging. Even good quality single view portable and standard 2-view chest radiographic exams are simply 2-dimensional imaging modalities used to assess a complex 3-dimensional organ system with multiple superimposed anatomic structures and often complex disease processes. As a result, abnormal iatrogenic and pathologic disease processes are often subtle, obscured by overlapping anatomic structures, and nonspecific, contributing to potential diagnostic errors. This course will highlight some of these diagnostic challenges and potential ways to improve diagnostic interpretations and avoid potential diagnostic errors.
This course contains interactive questions throughout the video. These questions are optional and do not require a passing score to earn CME credit. To earn CME credit, participants must watch the full length of the recording and complete the course evaluation.
For ongoing education and resources, please visit RSNA Course Catalog.
Content Areas (Codes):
The following Content Areas will be printed on the certificate for this course:
Learning Objectives:
- List definitions, types, and etiologies of atelectasis and volume loss.
- Identify cases of atelectasis requiring additional imaging assessment for exclusion of a central obstructing lesion.
- Recognize the mechanism of pneumomediastinum formation.
- Detect pneumothorax in a supine patient.
- Distinguish benign mediastinal gas from those conditions associated with pneumomediastinum requiring urgent evaluation and management.
- Recognize radiographic tips to avoid potential interpretative errors that can adversely impact patient care.
This enduring material is estimated to take 1 hour to complete.
Start Date: 5/1/2025
End Date for CME Eligibility/Online Expiration Date: 4/30/2028
This educational activity was originally presented at the RSNA 2024 Annual Meeting and Scientific Assembly.
Faculty:
- Mark Parker, MD
- Jeffrey Klein, MD
- Melissa Rosado de Christenson, MD
Planners:
- Sergio A. Criales Vera, MD
- Soterios Gyftopoulos, MD, MBA
- Katharine Lampen-Sachar, MD
- Bertram J. Stemmler, MD
- Meike W. Vernooij, MD, PhD
- Grace G. Zhu, MD
Disclosure Statements:
RSNA controls the planning, development, and delivery of this CME activity and will strictly adhere to the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education established by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME).
Listed below are all the financial relationships provided by individuals in a position to influence and/or control CME activity content. All relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated. Please note that any individuals not listed below have reported no financial relationships (currently or within the past 24 months) with any ineligible company producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing health care products used on or by patients.
Faculty:
- None of the faculty for this educational activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
Planners:
- None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.
Accreditation and Designation Statements:
The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
To earn CME credit, participants must watch the full length of the recording and complete the course evaluation.
RSNA designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Price:
Non-Member/Basic Member Rate: $55.00
Standard Member/Full Access Member Rate: $0.00
Refund / Exchange Policy:
RSNA will not issue any refunds or exchanges for online only versions of educational products or activities purchased online. Please review the entire product or activity description prior to purchase.
RSNA Disclaimer:
The opinions or views expressed in this activity are those of the presenters and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, recommendations or endorsement of the RSNA. Participants should critically appraise the information presented and are encouraged to consult appropriate resources for information surrounding any product or device mentioned. Information presented, as well as publications, technologies, products and/or services discussed, are intended to inform the learner about the knowledge, techniques, and experiences of RSNA faculty who are willing to share such information with colleagues. The RSNA disclaims any and all liability for damages to any individual user for all claims which may result from the use of said information, publications, technologies, products and/or services, and events.