Clinical Imaging Flashcards
How many posterior ribs should be visible on a chest x-ray taken at full inspiration?
9-10
In an AP view chest x-ray, which aspect of the ribs is more apparent?
Posterior aspect, closest to the film
How would you check the penetration of a chest x-ray?
Over penetrated x-rays are dark and pulmonary markings are less visible. Under penetrated x-rays are bright and structures like the vertebrae are not well defined.
What is mAs?
Measure of radiation (milliamps) over time (seconds)
How would you diagnose cardiomegaly on a chest x-ray?
Has to be PA view. If the cardiac diameter is over half of the maximum thoracic diameter.
What is ABCDE in regards to chest x-ray interpretation?
Airways, Bones, Cardiac shadow, Diaphragm, Everything else (soft tissue, pacemakers, wires, tubes)
Where will the aortic arch be found?
T4/5 level, lateral to carina
What can indicate fluid in the pleural cavities on a chest x-ray?
Blunting of the costophrenic angles
What would air seen under the diaphragm on a chest x-ray suggest?
Bowel perforation
What is a meniscus in a chest x-ray?
A concave line that obscures the costophrenic angle, heart borders and hemidiaphragm. Seen in pleural effusions.
What is a positive silhouette sign?
Loss of anatomical borders in the mediastinum due to pathology.
What findings might you see on a chest x-ray of a patient with emphysema?
Hyper-inflated lungs (flattened hemidiaphragm, wide rib spaces, blunted costophrenic angles etc)
