CVS Radiology

Question 1

What details can be seen on a PA CXR?

Answer 1

Heart size - the maximum horizontal cardiac diameter should be less than half of the maximum horizontal thoracic diameter.

The right heart border overlies the RA.
The left heart border overlies the LV.

Question 2

What details can be seen on a transverse CT, moving superiorly?

Answer 2

SVC - formed from the brachiocephalic veins.
The left BCV is more horizontal than the right.

Aortic arch - divides into the BC trunk, LCC and LSC (from anterior to posterior).

Question 3

What details can be seen on a transverse CT, moving inferiorly?

Answer 3

The ascending and descending aorta come off the aortic arch.

Question 4

What details can be seen on an angiography of the heart?

Answer 4

Taken from below and to the right of the patient.
Septal perforating branches - from the LAD and directly supply the anterior septum with blood.

Question 5

What is the abdominal aorta?

Answer 5

Branches into the right and left iliac arteries.
Supplies the pelvis (except the gonads).