random resp cards

Question 1

what is standard CT with 5mm slide thickness of the lungs used for?

Answer 1

most common one
gross evaluation of lungs and mediastinum
evaluation of nodules or masses identified on a CXR, diagnosis and staging of lung cancer and detection of metastatic disease from extra-thoracic malignancies

Question 2

what is CTPA used for?

Answer 2

investigation and diagnosis of acute or chronic pulmonary embolism.

Question 3

what is high resolution CT (HRCT) used for?

Answer 3

images with exquisite lung detail, allowing detailed assessment of diffuse lung diseases.
evaluation of diseases which involve the interstitium such as interstitial lung disease, bronchiectasis and cystic lung disease.
Not appropriate for investigation or diagnosis of lung malignancy as some techniques have intervals of a few cm between each slice and therefore risk missing smaller malignancies or nodules.

Question 4

what can cause tracheal obstruction?

Answer 4

tracheal stenosis
large goitre
mediastinaltumour

Question 5

what diseases could cause neuromuscular weakness of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles?

Answer 5

MND
polio
diaphragmatic palsy
inherited muscular dystrophy

Question 6

what symptoms do people with diaphragmatic weakness get and why?

Answer 6

under-breathe at night: unrefreshing sleep, daytime sleepiness
weak cough, prone to chest infections
orthopnoea -gravity isn’t there to help diaphragm movement

Question 7

what is the main presenting symptom of interstitial lung disease?

Answer 7

exertional breathlessness