Thorax Flashcards
What kind of contrast do we need with the Thorax?
Low Contrast
What are the settings for radiographs of the thorax?
Low mAs
High kVp
What are the non-pathologic entities that cause increased lung opacity?
Radiographic technique
Aeration: Atelectasis
Obesity
What is the effect of recumbency?
The increased opacity in the “down” lung reduces lesion conspicuity in the dependent hemithorax
“Down Pathology Rises”
a lesion in the dependent (down) lung will be more dorsal (rises) in lateral views
What are the three lung patterns?
Alveolar
Bronchial
Interstitial
Alveolar lung pattern
Alveoli contain substance other than air: Blood, Pus, Water
Or contain no or reduced air due to atelectasis
If the xray beam strikes the bronchus perpendicularly….
the air bronchogram will retain the basic shape of a bronchus
If the x ray beam strikes the bronchus end-on….
The bronchus will appear more as a circular radiolucency
Lobar Sign
abrupt change in opacity when diseased lobe (opaque) contacts a normal (lucent) lobe
What two things cause intense lung disease?
Alveolar disease
Lung mass
Atelectasis
collapse of alveoli due to prolonged recumbency or bronchial obstruction (Pleural disease)
What kind of pattern does Atelectasis appear as?
Alveolar pattern
What are the causes of Alveolar pattern?
Pneumonia Cardiogenic pulmonary edema Noncardiogenic pulmonary edema Hemorrhage Trauma Coagulopathy Thromboembolism Atelectasis Allergy Primary Lung Tumor
What pattern looks like ring shadows or tram lines?
Bronchial pattern
What causes Bronchial patterns?
Allergic airway disease Infection: Bacterial and Parasitic Chronic Irritation Cardiogenic pulmonary edema DIffuse tumor
