Imaging findings of pulmonary edema: Part 1. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema and acute respiratory distress syndrome

Pulmonary edema has many causes; differentiating between these conditions is important. The purpose of this review article is to describe the pathophysiology of pulmonary edema, thereby explaining the imaging findings that differentiate between etiologies. Chest computed tomography provides details on the physiological response and the changes in the anatomical structures of pulmonary edema. An understanding of the pathophysiology underlying the imaging findings facilitates the correct identification of the cause of pulmonary edema.