Radiographic Anatomy of the Thorax Flashcards
What are the standard radiographic views used to evaluate the thorax?
The standard radiographic views are posteroanterior (PA), anteroposterior (AP), and lateral views.
What structures form the right heart border on a chest X-ray?
The right heart border is formed by the right atrium and superior vena cava.
What structures form the left heart border on a chest X-ray?
The left heart border is formed by the left ventricle and left atrium.
How can you identify the trachea on a frontal chest X-ray?
The trachea appears as a radiolucent column in the midline, slightly deviated to the right at the aortic arch.
What is the significance of the carina on a chest X-ray?
The carina is the point where the trachea bifurcates, located at the level of T4-T5.
How do you assess lung expansion on a chest radiograph?
Lung expansion is assessed by counting visible ribs; normal inspiration shows at least six anterior ribs.
What is the radiographic appearance of the diaphragm in a normal chest X-ray?
The diaphragm appears as a dome-shaped structure with the right hemidiaphragm higher than the left.
How do you differentiate between the right and left hemidiaphragm on a lateral chest X-ray?
On a lateral chest X-ray, the right hemidiaphragm is usually higher and extends farther anteriorly.
What is the normal cardiothoracic ratio on a chest X-ray?
The normal cardiothoracic ratio is less than 50% of the thoracic width on a PA chest X-ray.
How is the aortic arch visualized on a chest radiograph?
The aortic arch appears as a convex shadow on the left side of the mediastinum.
What is the silhouette sign in chest radiography?
The silhouette sign refers to the loss of the normal borders of thoracic structures due to adjacent pathology.
How do you recognize pneumothorax on a chest X-ray?
Pneumothorax appears as a visible pleural line with absent lung markings beyond it.
What are the radiographic features of pleural effusion?
Pleural effusion presents as blunting of the costophrenic angles and a meniscus sign.
What are the common causes of a widened mediastinum on a chest radiograph?
Causes of a widened mediastinum include aortic dissection, lymphoma, and mediastinal hemorrhage.
How can you identify the pulmonary arteries on a chest X-ray?
Pulmonary arteries can be identified as branching structures originating from the hilum.
What is the significance of air bronchograms on a chest X-ray?
Air bronchograms indicate air-filled bronchi made visible by surrounding alveolar consolidation.
How does consolidation appear on a chest radiograph?
Consolidation appears as a homogenous opacity with air bronchograms.
What radiographic findings suggest pulmonary edema?
Pulmonary edema presents as bilateral perihilar opacities, often described as “batwing” distribution.
How do you differentiate between an anterior, middle, and posterior mediastinal mass on a lateral chest X-ray?
Anterior masses are located in front of the heart and trachea, middle masses involve the heart and great vessels, and posterior masses affect the vertebral column.
What are the key landmarks for identifying rib fractures on a chest radiograph?
Rib fractures appear as discontinuities in the cortical outline of the ribs.
What is the normal position of the gastric bubble on a chest X-ray?
The gastric bubble appears as a radiolucent area below the left hemidiaphragm.
How does a pulmonary embolism appear on a chest radiograph?
Pulmonary embolism may present as Hampton’s hump (wedge-shaped opacity) or Westermark’s sign (oligemia).
How is a hiatal hernia detected on a chest X-ray?
A hiatal hernia appears as a retrocardiac air-filled structure.
What is the importance of the costophrenic angles in chest radiography?
Costophrenic angles should be sharp; blunting suggests pleural effusion.
How can you assess endotracheal tube placement on a chest radiograph?
The endotracheal tube should be positioned 3-5 cm above the carina.
What is the radiographic appearance of a normal lung field?
A normal lung field appears radiolucent with visible pulmonary vasculature.
How can you differentiate between a tension pneumothorax and a simple pneumothorax on a chest X-ray?
Tension pneumothorax shows a mediastinal shift, while a simple pneumothorax does not.
What are Kerley B lines, and what do they indicate on a chest X-ray?
Kerley B lines are thin, horizontal lines at the lung periphery, indicative of pulmonary edema.
How do hilar lymphadenopathy and hilar enlargement differ on a chest X-ray?
Hilar lymphadenopathy presents as symmetric enlargement, while vascular enlargement is asymmetric.
What are the radiographic features of tuberculosis on a chest X-ray?
Tuberculosis appears as upper lobe consolidation, cavitation, and lymphadenopathy.
