T4 L9: Chest imaging Flashcards
What are the 5 review areas for a CXR?
Apices, costo-phrenic angel, behind the heart, hila, and the peripheries
What should the hilar point appear as on a CXR and what does it mean if it’s not clear?
As a ‘v’ where the lower lobe pulmonary arteries cross the upper lobe pulmonary veins. If it moves then it indicates a pathology like a pneumothorax. Unclear hilar point can also indicate pathology
What is the carina?
The point when the trachea bifurcates
What is hyperexpansion and what does it indicate?
When the lungs expand more than 6 anterior ribs above the dome of the hemidiaphragm because the lungs are more elastic. Can indicate asthma or COPD but is normal in athletes and young people.
How does a tension pneumothorax develop?
Every time a person takes a breath, they take air in but the air cant leave the lung so tension builds up
What is cardiomegally?
An enlarged heart
What 3 things can make the heart appear larger on a CXR?
Left ventricular failure (CCF), Pericardial effusion, or a dilated cardiomyopathy
How should muscle appear on a myocardial perfusion scan appear and what does it mean if it doesn’t?
The muscle should appear bright, if it doesn’t then it means the muscle is dead
What is a red cell scan used for?
To see where someone is losing blood
What is a white cell scan used for?
To see where there is hidden infection because white cells accumulate at sites of infection
Which 2 vessels can be used for a coronary artery bypass?
The internal mammary which runs from the subclavian, and the saphenous vein from the leg
Which type of vessel should always appear smooth
Arteries, veins have out pouches that are the valves
