Thoracic Radiographs Flashcards

1
Q

is there more natural contrast in the thorax or abdomen

A

thorax

more air in thorax than abdomen –> less beam attenuation

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2
Q

is the thorax a high motion area

A

yes - breathing causes motion

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3
Q

what kVp and mAs settings should you use

A

HIGH kVp - decreases contrast

LOW mAs - decreases motion/blur

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4
Q

how does overexposure appear on radiographs

A

black/darker

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5
Q

how does underexposure appear on radiographs

A

bright

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6
Q

standard views for thoracic radiographs

A

right lateral
left lateral
DV

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7
Q

how can you tell which side the lateral view is in

A

diaphragm

right lateral: if R crus is more cranial + caudal vena cava empties into cranial crus

left lateral: if L crus is more cranial + caudal vena cava empties into caudal crus

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8
Q

what is a horizontal beam study

A

patient is in R or L lateral but the image is shot in DV

gravity pushes on the lung that is down

top lung space becomes more visible, bottom lung space becomes less visible

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9
Q

why DV over VD

A

DV is a more physiological position for the heart
- narrow thoracic cavity
- diaphragm contacts heart
- more accurate vessels

VD can make the heart appear larger/shifted
- wider thoracic cavity
- better for cranial and caudal lung lobes

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10
Q

at what point during respiration should you take the radiograph

A

peak inspiration

lungs fill with air –> makes thorax appear larger

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11
Q

what is the appropriate window for thoracic radiographs

A

thoracic inlet to diaphragm

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12
Q

proper patient positioning for thoracic radiographs

A

legs forward
neutral neck position

lateral: flat spine, R and L ribs should superimpose on each other, top rib should not be above the spine

DV: spinous processes should superimpose over spine, lung fields should be symmetrical

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13
Q

how do obliqued images affect the radiograph

A

distorts the heart shape and causes asymmetrical lung fields

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14
Q

what is the systematic approach to viewing thoracic radiographs

A
  1. skeletal structures
  2. abdomen
  3. heart
  4. vessels
  5. lungs
  6. pleural space
  7. mediastinum
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15
Q

what are the skeletal structures in the thorax

A

cervical and thoracic vertebrae
ribs
scapula
proximal humerus

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16
Q

what abdominal structures can you see in the thoracic radiograph

A

liver
stomach
peritoneal detail

17
Q

what do you evaluate about the heart

A

cardiac silhouette
- shape
- size
- margins

18
Q

can you see individual lung lobes

A

no

19
Q

normal appearance of pulmonary vessels

A

located on either side of the bronchi

lateral: veins are ventral, arteries are dorsal

DV: veins are medial, arteries are lateral

20
Q

how does a cat thorax vary from a dog thorax

A

smaller and more oval cardiac silhouette

triangular thoracic field

21
Q

deep chested vs round chested breeds

A

deep chested: narrow cavity, elongated heart
round chested: round heart

22
Q

how does the heart appear in athletic breeds

A

larger heart

23
Q

what is unique about Bassett hound thorax rads

A

curved ribs

24
Q

age related changes in thoracic radiographs

A
  • calcified tracheal rings/bronchial walls/costal cartilage
  • pleural fissure lines
  • increased lung density
  • aortic ectasia
  • “horizontal heart” in cats
25
Q

what is a visible structure in young animals

A

thymus

visible in cranial mediastinum

26
Q

how does obesity affect thoracic radiographs

A

fat deposits in mediastinum and pericardium
increased lung opacity
skin folds

can increase exposure to avoid underexposing