CAL: Radiology of Cardiac Disease

Question 1

How does breed affect the appearance of the cardiac silhouette and why is this important to understand?

Answer 1

Deep-chested breeds (e.g. Dobermann) have narrow, upright, tall cardiac silhouettes, whereas barrel-chested breeds (e.g. Springer spaniel) have wide, globular, quite short hearts
It is important to be aware of breed variation in order to avoid overinterpreting radiographs

Question 2

What features can you identify enlargement of the left ventricle by on a radiograph?

Answer 2

• Lateral view: increased dorsoventral and craniocaudal dimension
• DV/VD view: Elongated cardiac silhouette

Question 3

What features can you identify enlargement of the left atrium by on a radiograph?

Answer 3

• Lateral view: Bulge on caudodorsal aspect - dorsal displacement of left caudal bronchus
• May be increased dorsoventral dimension also from lateral view
• DV/VD view: Focal bulge on mid-left border

Question 4

What features can you identify enlargement of the right ventricle by on a radiograph?

Answer 4

• Lateral view: increased craniocaudal dimension and sternal contact
• DV/VD view: more curved right border, enlargement of the pulmonary artery

Question 5

What features can you identify enlargement of the right atrium by on a radiograph?

Answer 5

• Usually not detected from lateral view but may see increased craniocaudal dimension
• DV/VD view: More curved right border without increased sternal contact

Question 6

How is generalised enlargement of the cardiac silhouette recognised radiologically?

Answer 6

Generalised enlargement of the cardiac silhouette is recognised radiologically by an increase in both height and width of the cardiac silhouette, usually on both projections
If caused by cardiac disease then there should be specific signs of some chamber enlargements