TCM 2 Exam - First Semester Flashcards
Compare the position of the patient in AP and PA.
AP: supine
PA: upright
Compare the scapula of the patient in AP and PA.
AP: scapula projecting overlapping lung fields
PA: scapula does not overlap lung fields
Compare the clavicles of the patient in AP and PA.
AP: clavicles project above the inlet of the thorax
PA: clavicles project over the upper chest
Compare the air fluid levels of the patient in AP and PA.
AP: no air fluid levels in abdomen or chest
PA: air fluid levels in abdomen or chest
Compare the penetration of the patient in AP and PA.
AP: underpenetrated (too white, not enough rays going through the body)
PA: Penetration and exposure are normal
How can you tell if the patient is centered?
- Draw a line along the central spinous process
- Draw a line between the medial end of the clavicles.
- If the distance between the medial and of the clavicle and midline is equal, the patient is centered. If not, they are not (rotated in the direction of the longer line)
When not enough x-rays reach the plate, it is considered ___. When too many reach the plate, it is considered ___.
Underpenetrated; overpenetrated
With proper inspiration, where should the right diaphragm be located?
Between the 9th and 10the posterior ribs
What is the AP (aortico-pulmonary) window? When is this window changed?
Concave space between the aortic knob and the main pulmonary artery
Lymphadenopathy can lead to loss of the concavity
The heart is bigger in which view (AP vs. PA)?
AP
What are the three types of lung abnormalities that can be seen on CXR?
- Cavity
- Mass
- Consolidation
What is a consolidation?
Abnormal material in the alveoli or airspaces (fluid, pus, collapsed alveoli)
What is one hallmark of alveolar/airspace disease or consolidation?
Air bronchogram
Why do bronchi become visible in an air bronchogram?
Because of the density contrast between normal air in the bronchi and abnormal fluid in the surrounding alveoli
Consolidation may be secondary to pneumonia or atelectasis. How can you tell the difference?
Pneumonia: no volume loss
Atelectasis: volume loss, elevation of right minor fissure
What does a silhouette sign indicate?
Loss of silhouette (outline) is abnormal and indicates that there is airless, consolidated lung adjacent to that structure
What type of consolidation leads to obscuring of the left heart border?
Lingula consolidation
What type of consolidation leads to obscuring of the right heart border?
Right middle lobe consolidation
What distinguishes atelectasis and pneumonia on CXR?
In atelectasis, there is a forward shift of the oblique/major fissure on lateral CXR, which indicates loss of lung volume.
What distinguishes atelectasis and pneumonia clinically?
Atelectasis: hypoxia, no fever
Pneumonia: fever, cough
True or false - fissures are not normally seen unless outlined by an abnormal lung.
True
What are the three types of atelectasis and what causes them?
- Resorptive (endobronchial obstruction)
- Adhesive (loss of surfactant)
- Relaxation (loss of negative pressure in the pleural space)
What are the CXR features of resorptive atelectasis?
- Triangular density without air bronchogram
- Loss of lung volume
- Minor/horizontal fissure is elevated
- Compensatory hyperinflation
What is on the differential for a white out on CXR?
- Resorptive atelectasis (would show signs of decreased volume, mediastinum moves toward affected side)
- Pleural effusion (would show signs of increased volume, mediastinum moves away from affected side)
What are the types and sizes of solitary round lesions in the lung?
- Lung mass: >3 cm
- Solitary lung nodules: 1-3 cm
- Lung nodules <1 cm