Radiologic manifestations of potential bioterrorist agents of infection

Abstract

In this article, we survey the imaging literature on biologic agents that could potentially be used as weapons. Because respiratory delivery is the most likely method of attack, in most cases we have focused on the manifestations of disease that can be seen after inhalation of the infectious organism. Many of the diseases that can serve as biologic weapons currently occur sporadically (plague, tularemia, eastern equine encephalitis) or as epidemics in localized geographic regions (Rift Valley fever) [8]. Other infections are largely prevented by public health measures (e.g., anthrax prevention by animal vaccination). Smallpox has been eradicated and can recur only if purposefully introduced into the human population. Because these diseases are not widespread, imaging information is limited and, in many cases, relies on radiography. Cross-sectional imaging data are limited. Until the fall of 2001, for instance, no cross-sectional imaging of inhalational anthrax had been reported.