2.8 Flashcards
What are the main advantages of plain X-ray in chest imaging?
Widely available
Quick to perform
Cost-effective
Excellent for identifying large abnormalities
What are the key advantages of CT in chest imaging?
Provides high-resolution, cross-sectional images
Excellent for vascular assessment
Can be reconstructed in multiple planes
Useful for guiding biopsies or drainage procedures
What are the main advantages of MRI in chest imaging?
No ionizing radiation
Superior soft tissue contrast
Capable of providing functional information
Useful for cardiac assessment
What are the key advantages of nuclear medicine in chest imaging?
Provides information about physiological function of the lungs
Can detect abnormalities earlier than some structural imaging modalities
Useful for assessing metabolic activity in lung cancer and inflammation
List some respiratory symptoms that might warrant a chest X-ray.
Persistent or severe cough
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Sudden onset or worsening of breathlessness
Unexplained chest pain, particularly if pleuritic
Name some acute conditions where a chest X-ray might be indicated.
Pneumonia
Pulmonary embolism (to rule out other conditions)
Pneumothorax
Pleural effusion
What is a pulmonary embolus?
A blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, typically caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the deep veins in the legs.
Why is it important to diagnose or exclude pulmonary embolism?
It can be life-threatening
It’s a common condition with overlapping symptoms
Early recognition can guide appropriate treatment
It affects future risk assessment and management
What are the main components of the upper airways?
Nasal cavity
Pharynx (nasopharynx, oropharynx, laryngopharynx)
Larynx
What are the main components of the lower airways?
Trachea
Bronchi (main, lobar, segmental)
Bronchioles
Alveolar ducts and alveoli
How do the right and left lungs differ structurally?
Right lung: 3 lobes (superior, middle, inferior), 2 fissures. Left lung: 2 lobes (superior, inferior), 1 fissure, and has a cardiac notch.
What are the two types of pleura and their functions?
Visceral pleura: covers the lungs
Parietal pleura: lines the thoracic cavity
The space between contains pleural fluid, which reduces friction during breathing.
