Chest Masterclass Flashcards
What conditions can be seen via CXR?
Misplaced NG, ET and central venous catheter Simple/ tension pneumothorax Pleural effusion Lung/ lobar collapse Lung consolidation Heart failure Foreign body Pneumoperitoneum
Common clinical scenarios in chest disease?
Chest pain Thoracic trauma Breathlessness Cough Haemoptysis
What are the different x-ray densities on a CXR?
Air; black Fat; grey Soft tissue; grey Bone; white Metal; bright white
What aspects determine the technical adequacy of a CXR?
Projection
Inspiration
Rotation
Penetration
What is meant by the projection of a CXR?
If it is PA or AP
Normal CTR of less than 0.5
Should the CTR be measured on an AP CXR?
No; can be mistaken for cardiomegaly
How many ribs should be seen to qualify it for adequate inspiration?
6 ribs anteriorly
How is rotation determined in a CXR?
Medial ends of clavicle should be equidistant from the spinous processes of the upper thoracic vertebrae
What mediastinal borders should be seen on a CXR?
Aorta Pulmonary artery Left auricle Left ventricle Right atrium Trachea Hemidiaphragm Stomach bubble Horizontal fissure
What are the pulmonary hila?
Junctions between the heart and lungs where the pulmonary arteries and bronchi enter and pulmonary veins exit the lungs
Which hilum tends to be higher?
Left
Which diaphragm tends to be higher?
Right lies about 1.5cm above
What are the 4 review areas?
Lung apices
Behind heart
Below diaphragm
Bones and soft tissues
What can commonly be missed in the lung apices?
Masses e.g. pancoast, pneumothorax
What can commonly be missed behind the heart on CXR?
Consolidation
Masses
Hiatus hernia
What can commonly be missed below the diaphragm on CXR?
Free gas
Lines and tubes
Gastric distention
Bowel obstruction
What can commonly be missed in terms of bones and soft tissues on CXR?
Fractures Masses Mastectomy Subcutaneous emphysema Evidence of previous surgery
What can cause a lobar collapse?
Obstruction of lobar bronchus; tumours, aspirated foodstuffs, mucus impaction
Describe a left lower lobe collapse
Volume loss on left side with elevation of the hemidiaphragm, left hemithorax looks small
Increased density in left retrocardiac region
Loss of clarity medial aspect left hemidiaphragm
Left hilum downwards
CANNOT SEE LEFT HEART BORDER
Describe a left upper lobe collapse
Volume loss of left, elevation of left hemidiaphragm
Loss of clarity of heart shadow
“Veil like opacity” diffuse opacification of left hemithorax
CANNOT SEE LEFT HEMIDIAPHRAGM
Describe a right upper lobe collapse
Volume loss on right
Loss of clarity of upper right mediastinum
Density in right upper zone, elevation of horizontal fissure