8. Radiology of the Chest and Pleura, Chest Wall and Interstitial Lung Disease Flashcards
Describe how to identify the trachea on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
It is between the two medial edges of the clavicles.
Describe how to identify the hila on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
They are faint just coming lateral to where the heart starts, about 5 ribs down.
Describe how to identify the lungs on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
They are dark due to lots of air, don’t absorb much.
Describe how to identify the diaphragm on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
It is rounded on both sides, should be able to trace left side behind the heart.
Describe how to identify the heart on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
It is slightly to the left and goes from about rib 5 to the diaphragm.
Describe how to identify the aortic knuckle on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
On the left side of the patient and stick out from the sternum a bit.
Describe how to identify the ribs on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
Curve outwards across the whole length of the chest.
Describe how to identify the scapulae on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
The scapulae are on the lateral edges of the radiograph image, they are behind the shoulder joint.
Describe how to identify the breasts on a plain film radiograph of the chest.
The breast may look like some consolidation around the level of the diaphragm.
What is the costophrenic recess/angle?
The potential space in the pleural cavity at the posterior-most tips of the cavity, the junction of the costal pleura and diaphragmatic pleura.
What is the costocardiac angle?
The angle at the joining of the lungs and the heart.
What is a radiological indicator of lobar collapse?
Displacement of the horizontal fissure.
When does the horizontal fissure get dispaced upwards?
With lobar collapse of the right upper lobe.
When does the horizontal fissure get displaced downwards?
If there is volume loss of the right lower lobe, in collapse.
What is consolidation?
If alveoli and small airways fill with dense material.
What can cause consolidation?
Infection, fluid, blood, or cells.
How does a space occupying lesion appear in the lung?
A large, round, thick-walled lung cavity.
What is a common cause of space occupying lesions in the lung?
Squamous cell lung carcinoma.
What is pleural effusion?
A collection of fluid in the pleural space.
How will pleural effusion present on X rays of an upright patient?
It obscures the costophrenic angle/ hemidiaphragm.
How will pleural effusion present on X rays of a supine patient?
The pleural effusion layers along the posterior aspect of the chest cavity and is difficult to see on an X ray.
What is the meniscus sign?
Pleural effusion on an X ray appear as uniformly white, with a concave area at the top.
What is a pneumothorax?
Air trapped in the pleural space.
What is the X ray change seen with tension pneumothoraces?
Tracheal or mediastinal shift away from the pneumothorax. It is pushed away by the air in the pleural cavity.
What decided if a disease pulls or pushes the trachea in tracheal displacement?
Anything that increases pressure or volume in one hemithorax will push the trachea and mediastinum away from that side. Any disease that causes volume loss in one hemithorax will pull the trachea over towards that side.
What is the X ray appearance of asbestos plaques?
Irregular, well defined, and classically like holly leaves.
What can cause hyperinflation of the lungs?
COPD.
How does hyperinflation present on X rays?
Blunting of the costophrenic angles and flattened hemidiaphragms.
How does bowel perforation appear on X rays?
Lungs are normal but air is under the diaphragm.
What should the cardiothoracic ratio be?
The widest part of the heart should be less than 50% of the width of the thorax.
What is the interstitial space?
A potential space between alveolar cells and the capillary basement membrane.
What is the pathophysiology of interstitial lung disease?
The development of fibrous tissue in the intersticium, making lungs less compliant and have a restrictive ventilatory defect.
How does interstitial lung disease affect FVC and FEV1/FVC ratio?
FVC is reduced but FEV1/FVC is normaly.
How is gas exchange impaired in interstitial lung disease?
The diffusion path is lengthened between alveolar air and blood. Oxygen uptake is affected more than CO2.
What are the symptoms of interstitial lung disease?
Shortness of breath, reduced exercise tolerance, dry cough.
What are the signs of interstitial lung disease?
Tachypnoea, tachycardia, reduced chest movement and coarse crackles. Cyanosis and signs of right heart failure. Clubbing in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
What are the five categories of causes of interstitial lung disease?
Occupational, treatment related, connective tissue disease, immunological, and idiopathic.
What occupational linked factors can cause interstitial lung disease?
Asbestos, silicosis, coal workers pneumoconiosis.
What treatments related factors can cause interstitial lung disease?
Radiation, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, amiodarone, chemotherapy.
What connective tissue disease factors can cause interstitial lung disease?
Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polymyositis, schleroderma, Sjogren’s.
What immunological factors can cause interstitial lung disease?
Sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
What idiopathic factors can cause interstitial lung disease?
CFA/IPF, UIP/NSIP, DIP, LIP, RB-ILD, COP.