basics
things to check
major difference from other x-rays
decreased to increased radiodensity:
CXR
ex: if water density process like pneumonia is in a lobe near the heart, the border between that lobe and heart will disappear
commonly obliterated borders & associated lobes
Loss of border of superior mediastinum= lesion in upper lobes
Loss of border of R heart=lesion at R middle lobe
Loss of border of R hemi-diaphragm=lesion at R lower lobe
Loss of border of L hemi-diaphragm=lesion at L lower lobe
loss of border of superior mediastinum
=lesion in upper lobes
Loss of border of R heart
=lesion at R middle lobe
Loss of border of R hemi-diaphragm
lesion at R lower lobe
Loss of border of L hemi-diaphragm
lesion at L lower lobe
cardiothoracic ratio
- adults: widest width should be less that half the width of the chest at the level of the diaphragm
enlarged heart due to:
heart appears enlarged if:
mediastinum
=space between lungs; bound by sternum and spine
-contains heart, vessels, trachea, esophagus
mediastinum contains:
heart
vessels
trachea
esophagus
mediastinal shifts
-whole structure can move to one side of another and can be permanent (removal of a lung) or temporary (pleural effusion) or atelectasis
Can also identify masses in this area
-goiter, lymphoma, esophageal or bronchial cancers, aortic aneurysms
diaphragm
elevated diaphragm due to:
flattened diaphragm due to:
-increased volume of the lung (emphysema, pleural effusion, or masses in the lung)
hemi-diaphragms
costophrenic angles
routine CXR
-includes PA and lateral views
Controversy about lateral view:
abnormally white lungs
1: pneumonia
2: atelectasis
3: pleural effusion
pneumonia
(fluid fills in and around alveoli & bronchi producing consolidation seen on x ray)
x-ray findings:
atelectasis
=loss of volume of a portion of a lung, not a disease
results from: