Method of Examination

Question 1

What is the minimum amount of fluid required in order to detect pleural effusion on a lateral decubitus film?

Answer 1

100 ml (Fraser & Pare)
OR
50 ml (Brent & Helms)

Question 2

What is the minimum amount of fluid required in order to detect pleural effusion on a PA film?

Answer 2

~200ml

Question 3

What are some of the disadvantages of a portable CXR?

Answer 3

a) Shorter FFD = magnification
b) Unable to deliver high kVp, therefore, large mAs = longer exposure & inc. risk of motion blur
c) Difficult to inspire when bed-bound
d) Radiation to surrounding staff

Question 4

Why were CXR expiration films taken?

Answer 4

a) Abnormal motion of diaphragm

b) To visualize small pneunomothoracies. (Although, now thought that it doesn’t.)

Question 5

Why are enhanced CT examinations performed?

Answer 5

1) Vascular imaging

2) Evaluation of hilum for lymphadenopathy.

Question 6

What are the indications for a chest CT angiography?

Answer 6

a) traumatic vascular injury

b) evaluating suspected pulmonary thromboembolic disease

Question 7

What are indications for a chest MRI?

Answer 7

Looking for pathologies involving the cardiovascular system (ie. congenital conditions, cardiac masses etc.)

Question 8

What is the indication for a chest ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy?

Answer 8

pulmonary embolism

Question 9

What are the indications for a chest ultrasonography?

Answer 9

a) pleural abnormalities
b) peripheral parenchymal masses
c) mediastinal masses