Pulmonary Imaging
Pulmonary imaging supports the diagnosis of respiratory illnesses ranging from pneumonia and pulmonary embolism to chronic lung conditions. At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our radiologists use chest X-rays, CT scans, and specialized imaging to detect lung disease quickly and accurately.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Patients often seek care for respiratory symptoms such as:
- Persistent cough
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Coughing up blood
During your initial evaluation, your provider will review symptom duration, exposures, smoking history, and existing lung conditions. These details help select the most appropriate imaging test.
Diagnosis
Imaging is essential for evaluating lung structure and function. Common studies include:
- Chest X-ray: First-line test for evaluating conditions such as pneumonia, fluid buildup, or lung collapse
- Chest CT: Provides detailed imaging for infections, tumors, nodules, or interstitial lung disease
- CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA): Gold standard for diagnosing pulmonary embolism
- High-resolution CT: Evaluates scarring patterns and chronic lung disorders
These exams help distinguish among many conditions that share similar symptoms.
Treatment Guidance & Management
Pulmonary imaging findings guide treatment decisions such as:
- Antibiotic therapy for pneumonia
- Anticoagulation for pulmonary embolism
- Steroid or immunomodulatory therapy for interstitial lung disease
- Further testing for lung masses or nodules
- Referral to pulmonology for chronic disease management
Radiologists coordinate closely with pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and emergency physicians.
Ongoing Management & Monitoring
Long-term surveillance plans are customized based on risk factors and diagnosis. Follow-up imaging may be used to:
- Confirm improvement after treatment
- Monitor stable lung nodules
- Track chronic lung disease progression
- Evaluate treatment response in cancer or fibrosis
- Identify complications such as abscess or recurrent embolism