Radiographic interpretation of the thorax Flashcards
What diseases are you ruling in/out when taking a thoracic radiograph?
Common place to find cancer metastases Respiratory dysfunction Cardiac disease Esophageal or swallowing disorders Post-trauma, post-surgical
Why would you need to establish normalcy in a thoracic radiograph?
Pre-anesthesia
Base line
What are 5 general reasons to take a thoracic radiograph?
Cheap: 75-100$ Rapid results Simple procedure Information on multiple systems Vast amount of info obtained
What are the minimum requirements of thoracic rads?
Two views that are orthagonal (90 degrees) to each other
What are the standard views of thoracic rads?
Left to right lateral (right lateral)
Dorsoventral (DV)
Right to left lateral (left lateral)
Ventrodorsal (VD)
T/F: There is a lot of inherent contrast (air) in thoracic rads
TRUE
What is the long scale contrast needed with thoracic rads?
High kVp and low mAs with film
Maximizes the latitude of contrast
Choose the highest mA and the shortest time to minimize motion artifact
What are 4 techniques important for thoracic rads?
A lot of inherent contrast (air)
Long scale contrast
Inspiratory radiographs (take at the end of respiratory phase to avoid motion artifacts)
Adequate collimation
Radiographic positioning–lateral view
Thoracic limbs pulled forward
Avoid patient rotation
Include skin edges, thoracic inlet and diaphragm
Radiographic positioning–DV or VD view
Thoracic limbs pulled forward and to the side
Avoid patient rotation
Include thoracic inlet and diaphragm
Radiographic interpretation of the thorax
Evaluate technique
Signalment
Extra-thoracic (soft tissue, musculoskeletal, abdomen)
Intra-thoracic (systematic evaluation of thoracic structures)
When identifying radiographic signs (aka lesions), what are 3 important steps?
Organ vs. area approach
Note any changes from normal…lesion
Assemble a basic description of the lesion (appearance, opacity, location, surroundings, size, prioritize)
What is the most important finding on the radiograph?
Location of the lesion
When locating the abnormality, what 2 ways can you describe its location?
Specific–left atrium, 3rd left rib, etc.
General–cranial portion of the thorax
Anatomic location often affects what 3 things?
Further diagnostic tests
Treatment options
Prognosis
