2.2.3: Cardiac radiography Flashcards
Is this an enlarged heart or pericardial effusion?
Pericardial effusion
How would you differentiate between generalised cardiac enlargement and a pericardial effusion?
Ultrasound is very useful to differentiate! (V sensitive)
With a pericardial effusion:
* Whole silhouette is grossly enlarged (not just one side or chamber)
* The heart has a globular appearance
* The outline is distinct because there is no movement
* There will be secondary signs of R-sided heart failure
Enlarged heart or pericardial effusion?
Generalised cardiac enlargement and a possible mass, and ascites in the abdomen
This shows generalised cardiac enlargement
* There is more sternal contact
* There is displacement of the trachea by the enlarged left atrium and left auricular appendage
This is a pericardial effusion
* There is possibly an enlarged heart within this also
* The trachea is being displaced by the heart
* This could be a haemangiosarcoma bleeding within the pericardium
Microcardia
This tends to be seen in hypovolaemic patients
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Left atrium
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Left ventricle
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Aorta
An enlarged left atrium will mean which of the following is more likely to be seen on radiography:
a) more sternal contact with the heart
b) the trachea will be displaced dorsally
b) the trachea will be displaced dorsally
See this example of left sided heart failure:
Describe the findings on this radiograph
- Massively enlarged left atrium that displaces the trachea dorsally
- Alveolar pattern consistent with pulmonary oedema
- This supports a diagnosis of left-sided heart failure
Which of the following is more likely to be seen on radiographs of an animal with right-sided cardiac enlargement?
a) more sternal contact with the heart
b) displacement of the trachea dorsally
a) more sternal contact particularly when the enlargement is to the right ventricle
See this example:
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