Radiology (Respiratory) Flashcards
Why does the left hilum lie superior to the right hilum?
Anatomical relationship of left and right main bronchi and pulmonary artery is different.
Why are hila important on CXRs?
They are a common place for bronchial carcinoma to arise and because lymph nodes located there may become visibly enlarged due to disease.
What is disease in a lobe often due to?
Pathology in the bronchus that ventilates it.
What are the common diseases you can see in CXRs?
Pneumonia, lobar collapse, pneumothorax, pleural effusion.
Why is loss of silhouette a useful sign?
It often allows us to determine which part of lung is diseased.
What can the lingula of the left upper lobe be considered anatomically equivalent to?
The middle lobe in the right lung.
How can you detect lobar collapse on a CXR?
Collapsed lobe density increases and the adjacent major fissure is dragged out of position.
What lines and tubes can CXR confirm the correct placement of?
Endotracheal (ET) tubes, nasogastric tubes, central venous lines.
Where should an endotracheal tube be positioned?
2cm proximal to the carina.
Why is it important to look at previous films?
A patient might have old scarring and you need to see what is new and is causing their current symptoms.
If the CXR is normal on a suspected PE, what is the next scan you should do?
V/Q scan.
What are the 2 signs on a CT pulmonary angiogram that there is something blocking the pulmonary arteries?
Something blocking them, enlargement of right ventricle.
How can you see asbestosis on a HRCT?
Large chunks of white (bilateral calcified pleural plaques).
What is the normal shape of bronchial carcinomas?
Spherical or oval.
What is the diameter at which a bronchial carcinoma will be visible on a CXR?
1cm.
