Keywords:
Lung, Respiratory system, Thorax, Conventional radiography, Outcomes analysis, Outcomes, Pathology
Authors:
A. Mantarro, P. Vagli, F. Pancrazi, P. Scalise, G. Gherarducci, D. L. Lauretti, R. Scandiffio, C. Bartolozzi; Pisa/IT
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2013/C-2234
Conclusion
The use of the preoperative chest radiograph is recommended for patients over 45 years of age,
with other risk factors,
such as cardiopulmonary comorbidities and severe systemic illnesses,
on the basis of preanesthetic history and/or clinical signs and symptoms.
In this context,
the preoperative clinical assessment is crucial for determining when patients need to undergo any diagnostic procedures.
Morevoer,
chest radiograph obtained within 6 months of surgery are generally acceptable if the patient’s medical history has not changed [3].
In our group,
the frequency of significant diseases (10,4%) is quite high in asymptomatic population,
including nodular opacities,
pulmonary condensations,
non-calcified micronodules,
pulmonary interstitial diseases,
and cardiac/non-cardiac pleural effusions.
In this context,
the preoperative chest radiograph had a significant impact on clinical management of asymptomatic patients,
which required further investigations or treatments.
Still today,
preoperative chest radiograph remains an useful tool that allows to identify unexpected findings and to channel the patients towards appropriate diagnostic examinations and follow-up.