Chest Imaging

Question 1

What is the predominant diagnostic test to determine anatomic abnormalities and pathological processes within the chest?

Answer 1

Chest radiographs

Question 2

What will a good inspiration show on a good quality film of the chest?

Answer 2

At least 9 posterior ribs on the right side of the test

Question 3

What is optimal penetration of the film?

Answer 3

Branching of the small pulmonary vessels to the edges of the lung and rib outlines behind the heart shadow

Question 4

How would you check for rotation in a film?

Answer 4

Trachea should be midline and medial clavicles equidistant from midline

Question 5

Darker areas in lung findings on x ray

Answer 5

Radiolucent
Pneumothorax
Bullae
Air bronchograms

Question 6

Lighter areas on lung findings on an x ray

Answer 6

Opacitis
Infiltrates - blood, pus, water
Nodules or mass

Question 7

What is MRI primarily indicated for?

Answer 7

Evaluation of chest wall processes

Question 8

Why may an MRI be indicated for a patient?

Answer 8

If they have an abnormal chest radiograph that shows a nodule or mass

Question 9

Bronchography

Answer 9

Permits the study of normal and variant anatomy and gross pathological changes in the bronchial wall and lumen

Question 10

Ventilation/Perfusion Ratio

Answer 10

Value varies by lung location
Requires radioactive isotopes - technetium, xenon

Question 11

What is the average ventilation/perfusion ratio

Answer 11

0.80

Question 12

When is a ventilation/perfusion ratio usually ordered?

Answer 12

When a pulmonary embolus is suspected