Step 3: Identification of Pathological Process

Each tissue reacts to injury in a predictable fashion. Multiple etiology can evoke a similar pathological reaction. Let us review the pathological process that can occur in the lung following lung injury. Lung injury can be either generalized or localized. The consequence of lung injury could either lead to a liquid or increased air density in CXR. There are radiological signs for each of the pathological process.

• Liquid Density/ Localized
  • Infiltrate
  • Consolidation
  • Cavitation
  • Mass
  • Bulla
  • Congestion
  • Atelectasis
• Generalized
  • Diffuse alveolar
  • Diffuse interstitial
  • Vascular
  • Mixed
• Increased Air Density
  • Localized airway obstruction
  • Diffuse airway obstruction
  • Bulla
  • Emphysema