Evaluation and identification of pathogens of pulmonary infection based on chest CT imaging features

Pulmonary infection is the infectious diseases that causes the most deaths. Early, rapid, accurate pathogenic diagnosis and precise treatment are essential for improving the prognosis of pulmonary infection and reducing mortality. Pulmonary infection caused by certain pathogens has specific features on chest CT scans. Possible pathogens can be speculated by CT image features (including the shape, size, number, and changing speed of the lesions) combined with medical history of the patients. This article introduces the common and important imaging features of chest CT scans related to pulmonary infection in order to develop doctors' ability of evaluating pathogens of pulmonary infection, rational application of antibacterial drugs and improving the prognosis of lung infection.