THORACIC Section 3: CXR Localization

Question 1

If the vessels of the hilum are obscured, then a soft tissue mass is touching them (Mass is in the hilum)

Answer 1

Hilum Overlay Sign

Question 2

1. Where does the anterior mediastinum end, superiorly?
2. Any nass that extends above the clavicle IS/IS NOT in the anterior mediastinum. Give an example.

Answer 2

1. Clavicle
2. Any mass that extends above the clavicles is NOT in the anterior mediastinum. i.e. Thyroid Goiter

Question 3

Which junctionn line extends above the clavicle?

Anterior or posterior?

Answer 3

Posterior

Question 4

Border of pleural based masses.

A. Incomplete or hazy border
B. Crisp circumferential border

Answer 4

Incomplete Border Sign

This localization technique relies on the knowledge that pleural based or chest wall masses will have an incomplete or hazy border (a pulmonary mass should have a crisp circumferential border).