Role of Computed Tomography of the Chest in Differentiating Cardiogenic and Non-Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema

Background: Acute pulmonary edema is a common cause of respiratory distress, and distinguishing cardiogenic from non-cardiogenic etiologies is critical because treatment strategies differ substantially. Objective: To assess the diagnostic utility of chest computed tomography in differentiating cardiogenic from non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational analysis was performed on 103 patients who underwent CT chest for evaluation of acute pulmonary edema. Imaging findings were systematically assessed and correlated with clinical presentation and echocardiographic parameters to determine the underlying etiology. Results: Cardiogenic pulmonary edema was significantly associated with cardiomegaly, bilateral pleural effusions, smooth interlobular septal thickening and predominantly central ground-glass opacities. In contrast, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema commonly demonstrated diffuse or peripheral ground-glass opacities with patchy areas of consolidation and minimal cardiac or pleural involvement. Conclusion: Chest CT serves as a valuable diagnostic tool in differentiating cardiogenic from non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema by identifying characteristic distribution patterns and associated extracardiac findings.