Chest X Rays

Question 1

What are the 3 broad differential categories when you see an intra-pulmonary mass on CXR?

Answer 1

• infection
• inflammation
• tumour

Question 2

Describe the appearance of primary TB in clinical signs and CXR

Answer 2

• asymptomatic/ fever/ cough/ haemoptysis
• on CXR: non-specific ‘infection’ appearance (so clinical history is important)

Question 3

Describe the appearance of post-primary TB in clinical signs and CXR signs

Answer 3

(reactivation of primary infection usually due to reduced immunity)
- CXR: cavitation in upper lung segments

Question 4

What are the CXR signs of chronic TB?

Answer 4

Calcification of lungs and nodes in the upper lung zones

Question 5

What can cause lung collapse?

Answer 5

• mucus plus
• foreign object
• tumour
  (Anything that causes blockage to air flow)