Respiratory Clinical Anatomy Flashcards
What are the rules for a thoracic X-ray?
Always investigate more than one view
Compare slides
Approach x-ray systematically (step by step)
A void order is
+Bony details
-rubs
+ lung fields, parietal and pleural extent
+mediastinal details and subdivisions
-Size and position of the mediastinal structures
Whaat should be looked for in a thoracic X-ray?
- Bony details (count the ribs)
- Lung fields, parietal and pleural extent
- Mediastinal details and subdivisions
- At least 2 views, a PA and lateral
- Penetration thoracic vertebra should be visible in the superior mediastinum
- Assess the position of the patient
- Quality of the image
- Phase of respiration
What is the protocol for a chest x-ray?
In the standard protocol for chest radiography, radiographs are taken in the PA view; this means the film is “in front” of the patient and the x-rays travel through starting from the back
Contrast this with an AP view where x-rays travel starting at the front, this is done when a PA view isn’t possible such as when patient cannot maintain an upright position
Contrast the thoracic cavity and pleural cavity
Thoracic cavity
-Space found in the upper trunk region
- Separated from the abdominal cavity by the diaphragm.
- Protected externally by ribs and muscles
- House important organs (heart, lung, esophagus)
- Contains the mediastinum and three serous cavities
- two pleural cavities
- one pericardial cavity
Pleural cavity
Closed cavities surrounding the lungs
Lined by serous membranes-parietal pleura and visceral pleura
Where do the 2 layers if the pleura meet?
2 layers of pleura meet at the root of the lung-mediastinal pleura meets visceral pleura
What is the pleural recess?
Costompediastinal recess-between costal and mediastinal pleura
Costodiaphragmatic recess-between costal and diaphragmatic pleura
What are the borders of the pleura at the mid clavicular line?
Inferior border of lung- rib 6
Inferior edge of parietal pleura
What are the surface land marks of the pleura at the mid-Axillary line?
Inferior border of lung- rib 8
Inferior edge of parietal pleura- rib 10
What are the surface landmarks of the para vertebral line?
Inferior border of lung- TV10
inferior edge of parietal pleura- TV12
What is a pneumothorax?
Presence of air in the pleural cavity
What are the causes for pneumothorax?
Spontaneous- absence of lung disease, no prior provoking event, ruptured bleb or bullae
Traumatic- introduction of air in the pleural cavity secondary injury to the pleura
Blunt or penetrating trauma
Other causes:
Inflammation
Smoking
Underlying pulmonary disease
Contrast non tension and tension pneumothorax
Non tension pneumothorax- there is no valve mechanism (unsealed opening) as a result there is no build up pressure.
Tension pneumothorax- is the condition in which the air filling the pleural cavity can not escape (forming one-way valve). In this condition the visceral pleura are ruptured. The pressure in the pleural cavity builds up with every breath causing mediastinal shift. This condition leads to severe shortness of breath, as well as circulatory collapse and requires urgent intervention
Why is tension pneumothorax life threatening?
Displacement of structures of the mediastinum interrupting cardiopulmonary function.
Involves visceral and parietal pleura and tracheobronchial tree
What is the mechanism of tension pneumothorax?
- flap valve present
- displacement of mediastinum to opposite side
- Compression of heart and great vessels
Explain the methods if decompression of the tension pneumothorax
Needle decompression
Indication: tension pneumothorax-when thoracostomy isn’t possible in peripheral setting. Tube thoracostomy should follow.
Site 2nd intercostal space in midclavicular line in affected hemithorax
Equipment: large bore needle -14/16 gauge
Tube thoracostomy
Indication: relieve trapped collections of air or fluid in the thorax
Site: 4th or 5th intercostal space between the anterior axillary and mid axillary