Which condition is indicated by the radiological finding of ARDS/IRDS?

The condition indicated by the radiological finding of ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) or IRDS (Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is acute respiratory distress. In these conditions, imaging studies typically reveal bilateral infiltrates that suggest pulmonary edema or similar processes. This suggests a severe inflammatory response in the lungs, generally leading to impaired gas exchange.

Acute respiratory distress is characterized by sudden onset of breathing difficulty, often due to a precipitating factor such as trauma, pneumonia, or sepsis, and the radiographic findings support the diagnosis by visualizing the extent of lung involvement. Other conditions may show similar radiological features; however, the specific finding of ARDS/IRDS points directly to the acute respiratory distress syndrome itself, highlighting the particular nature of the lung pathology involved.