CXR

Question 1

Demonstrate the lobes of the lungs and their anatomical relations.

Answer 1

RUL: apex to horizontal fissure (4th rib)
RML: right heart border, horizontal fissure to 6th costal cartilage
RLL + LLL: posteriorly over the dome of diaphragm
LUL: left superior mediastinum
Left Lingular lobe: left heart border

Question 2

What structure makes up the most part of the left heart border on a CXR?

Answer 2

Left ventricle

Question 3

What structure makes up the most part of the right heart border on a CXR?

Answer 3

Right atrium

Question 4

Describe the surface anatomy of the parietal pleura.

Answer 4

From superior to inferior: Travels down sternum at the lateral sternal border, deviates at 4th costal cartilage on the left, or 6th costal cartilage on the right, then travels diagonally inferolaterally, crossing the mid-clavicular line at 8th rib, mid-axillary line at 10th rib, paravertebral line at 12th rib.

Question 5

Which parts of the lungs lie adjacent to the cardiomediastinum?

Answer 5

RUL: right upper mediastinum
RML: right heart border
LUL: left upper mediastinum
Left lingular lobe: left heart border

Question 6

What injuries may be seen on the CXR of a patient suffering blunt chest trauma?

Answer 6

Chest wall: rib #, sternum #, clavicle #
Lungs: pneumothorax, haemothorax
Cardiovascular: widened mediastinum