Thoracic walls and pleural space Flashcards
Comment on the significance of the changes that are shown below:
- Pulmonary osteomas are shown these are normal age related changes
State the changes shown in the image below and comment on the significance of them:
- Bronchial wall mineralisation - this is a normal age related change - seen with older animals
Describe the changes that are shown below and comment on the significance of them (top image is for reference):
- Mineralisation of the costochondral junctions - this is an age related change and is considered to be normal
What is the the significance of the finding that is shown by the purple arrows below?
- This is a normal finding they are close to other blood vessels of a simmilar size (completely normal and will be seen in every radigraph)
- It is possible to trace the blood vessels
Describe the normal appearance of pulmonary osteomas and pleural plaques (osseus metaplasia):
- Multiple, 2-4 mm, well defined and of mineral opacity
What are the radiographic signs that should be used to evaluate all structures?
- Visibility
- Size
- Shape
- Margins
- Opacity
- Position
Looking at the diaphragm below state which one is right lateral and which one is a left lateral:
- Right lateral view - the crus of the diaphragm are much more parallel in apperance
- Left lateral view - the crus are not parallel - much more diverging
What are the radiographic changes that are seen with the extrapleural sign?
- Well circumscribed convex contour facing the lung
- Cranial and caudal edges are tapered toward surface of the thoracic wall
- The greatest diameter is at site of attachment to thoracic wall
- Pleural space is uninvolved
- Periosteal reaction around the ribs + uneven width of ICS spaces
Name the finding that is shown below:
The extrapleural sign
What is the pleural space?
- The area between the parietal and the visceral pleura
Discuss the causes of pleural space disease and how it appears on a radiograph:
- Lung retracts from the thoracic wall creating a visible space (between the lung and thoracic wall) and between lung lobes
Space created:
- Fluid filled & soft tissue opacity = pleural fluid/effusion
- Air filled + radiolucent = pnuemothorax
- Soft tissue and focal displacement = mass
Name the finding below and grade the severity of pleural effusion:
- Thin white lines = mild pleural effusions
Grade the severity of the pleural effusions that are shown below:
- Widening of interlobular fissures = moderate to severe effusions
Grade the severity of the effusion that is shown below:
Lung leafing - severe
Describe the finding that is shown below and state the significance of the finding:
Rounding of:
- Retracted lung lobes
- Costophrenic angles
⇒ indicative of quite severe lung disease
Describe the significance of the finding shown below given only one was found:
Pleural thickening - not significant unless other findings
Classify the pleural effusion shown below given that both sides looked identical and:
- Provide some differentials for this appearance
- Uncomplicated and benign pleural effusion
Ddx:
- RSCHF
- Hypoproteinaemia
What are the main causes of unilateral effusion?
Unilateral:
- Pyothorax
- Haemothorax
- Chylothorax
Describe the radiographic findings shown below and make a radiographic diagnosis:
- Complicated effusion - mass effect from caudalventral
- The angle of the diaphragm and spine are altered
- Radiolucencies/opacities within the fluid
Radiographic diagnosis: Diaphragmatic rupture
Describe the abnormalities in the lungs below and make a radiographic diagnosis:
Pneumothorax:
- Lung margins retracted from the thoracic wall towards the hilus
- Lungs are surrounded by radiolucent air
- No lung markings outside of borders
- Rounding of retracted lung lobes + costophrenic angles
- Increased distance from heart to sternum
- Atelectasis (loss of lung volume)
