Radiology of congenital abnormalities of the chest.

Radiologic imaging plays a critical role in the management of congenital abnormalities affecting the tracheobronchial tree, lung parenchyma, pulmonary vessels, and the mediastinum. Although procedures such as bronchoscopy, bronchography, and angiography may at times still be required, diagnosis is now usually established noninvasively using ultrasound, CT, MR imaging, or radionuclide imaging techniques. Earlier diagnosis, even in the antenatal period, is possible, thus allowing more prompt and effective treatment. Patients with congenital abnormalities that were previously fatal in infancy and childhood are surviving into adulthood. Clinicians and radiologists alike must now be able to recognize congenital disorders in patients who may have minimal or absent symptoms.