Does extrathoracic or intrathoracic air appear denser on a CXR?
Intrathoracic air
CT densities are given relative to…
Water
A positive CT density could be…
Muscle, bone, contrast, metal
A negative CT density could be…
Air, lungs, fat
A very dense spot on a CXR which does not move could be…
Calcium nodule
Why do Calcium nodules appear?
Usually in response to infection
Which type of Imaging may be useful for imaging a suspected collapsed lung?
Ultrasound
What is meant by a ‘PA radiograph’?
Posterior to Anterior
In a PA radiograph, what may the patient be asked to do?
Raise their arms to get scapulae out of the way
What is meant by an AP radiograph?
Taken anterior to posterior
When are AP radiographs usually taken?
Usually performed on the ward (mobile) when the patient is bed-ridden
Why are AP radiographs less preferable than PA radiographs?
Heart shadow magnified so heart appears enlarged, scapulae may obscure a section of the lungs, patients often unable to take a big enough inspiration
Why may a lateral view CXR be used?
To see what is going on behind the heart
If a patient has adequately inspired, the ends of how many ribs should be visible on a CXR?
At least 6
What is the condition called in which all major organs are on the opposite side from that expected?
Situs inversus
Which side of the diaphragm is usually higher up?
Right due to liver
Name the 9 mediastinal borders.
Aorta, pulmonary artery, left auricle, left ventricle, right atrium, trachea, hemidiaphragm, stomach bubble, horizontal fissure
Where are mediastinal lymph nodes seen on a normal CXR?
They’re not seen if they are normal
The lingula is part of which lobe?
Left upper lobe
In which direction is an axial xray taken?
Patient’s feet facing you
Which section of the left lung forms the border with the heart?
Lingula
Which section of the right lung forms the border with the heart?
Right middle lobe
What is meant by consolidation?
Air in the lungs has been replaced by another structure