Diagnostic imaging of pneumonia and its complications in the critically ill patient.

Chest radiography and other radiographic imaging techniques often are extremely useful in the differential diagnosis of chest diseases in ICU patients. It should be remembered, however, that the findings on these imaging studies often are nonspecific. Also, different pathologic processes may be present in a patient's lungs at the same time. Clinical parameters, medical diagnostic studies, and laboratory studies are important in the differentiation of disease processes in these patients. The radiologist should work closely with the clinician to provide optimal care for patients in the ICU setting.