Fig. 6.

Evolution of ARDS at CT (posttraumatic ARDS). At admission, left thoracic trauma with pneumothorax and lung contusion (a). Respiratory deterioration 7 days later: at CT appearance of bilateral patchy GGO, corresponding to the early exudative phase (b). Two days later, extensive lung opacification with extensive dorsal consolidation and ventral GGO: typical ARDS pattern (proliferative or organizative phase). Note presence of smooth septal thickening (“crazy-paving appearance”) (c). Nine days later advanced regression of the lung opacities: on the right side presence of bronchiectasis and bronchocentric consolidation, located anteriorly (fibro-proliferative phase) (d). The patient survived and recovered well, although chest X-ray performed 2 months later demonstrates persistence of coarse fibrosis in the upper right lobe (e), confirmed at CT (f)