The role of plain films, CT, tomography, ultrasound, and percutaneous needle aspiration in the diagnosis of inflammatory lung disease.

Traditionally, plain film chest radiography has been the mainstay in the roentgenographic evaluation of infectious disease in the chest. Plain film tomography has augmented the chest radiograph in the detection of cavitation and in evaluation of the bronchial tree. Newer imaging modalities including ultrasound, which evaluates the pleural space, and computerized tomography (CT), which examines the lung parenchyma, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall, have further aided in diagnosis. Finally, percutaneous aspiration of the lung or pleural space under radiologic guidance now allows specific diagnoses to be made more frequently and with fewer complications.