Chest Radiology Flashcards
What is X-ray?
The thorax is the most imaged body part using x-rays The 3D structure of the thorax is capture on a 2D image A frontline source of imaging utilised in most areas of healthcare
What is CT?
High radiation dose image acquisition Best combined with intravenous contrast for best results Higher sensitivity and specificity than x-ray
What is US?
Rapid and accessible for trained ED practitioners Ideal for excluding some life-threatening pathologies No radiation or powerful magnet
What is MRI?
No ionizing radiation but has the complication of the magnet Can be a long turn around time from request to scan Dynamic scans and can demonstrate great soft tissue detail
Label the lobes of the lung through an X-ray
On image - page 2
Describe the position of the lung hilum
What length represents volume loss?
- The right hilum is usually lower than the left but can be the same height
- Any greater than 2cm apart and this could represent volume loss
Identify the normal variants of a x-ray
- Left hand side image – Azygos lope (tadpole sign) seen in the right apical zone medially
- Right hand side image – Dextracardia but best described as Situs inversus, not isolated dextracardia
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Identtify the cervical rib
On image
What is a Silhouette Sign?
Identify a left lower and right lower lobe collapse
• This requires a comfortable knowledge of anatomical relationships with the thorax
• Structures are visible on x-rays due to the differential absorption of tissues by x-rays
• Loss of a normal air-tissue interface produces a continuous border with an abnormality highlighting its presence
An air-soft tissue interface creates a sharp line demonstrated the anatomy. I.e. in a normal CXR the left heart border is sign where as:
Left hand side image – has upper lobe consolidation which effaces the left heart border obliterating it.
Right hand side image – has lower lobe consolidation which does not efface the left heart
Identify a left lower lobe collapse
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Identify a Left upper lobe consolidation
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Identify Right middle lope consolidation/collapse
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Identify Some examples of tubes lines and drains
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When is US useful?
- Limited use in thoracic imaging
- FAST or eFAST in Emergency Care setting
- Fastest possible images to obtain with a trained member of staff performing
- Echocardiogram is used cardiology to exclude
Identify an US of the heart and lungs
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