Abstract
Background: Pulmonary infection is a common reason for imaging of the lung in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed patients. Findings on chest radiography are nonspecific and encompass poor sensitivity. The role of computed tomography (CT) has been evolving in the diagnosis of lung infections. Objective: This paper reviews recent developments in the efficacy and utility of CT in the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary infections in a variety of patient populations. Methods: Recent published literature was reviewed to prepare this treatise on the role of CT. Conclusion: Knowledge and skills at pattern recognition are crucial for the CT interpretation in lung infections. Computed tomography scan is increasingly used to increase the sensitivity of the radiologic diagnosis of thoracic infections. The greatest value of CT is when the radiograph is normal, findings are equivocal, and to differentiate infection from non-infectious disorders.