Exam 2 - Unit 8: Principle of Abdominal and Thoracic Radiography

Low Contrast to get many shades of grey

What type of contrast is desired for Abdominal and Thoracic Radiographs and why?

Utilize High kVp technique

How would get a low contrast for a radiograph?

1) Vomiting/Diarrhea, 2) distended abdomen, 3) mass palpated, 4) constipation, 5) urinary concerns, 6) anorexia, 7) pregnancy check (day 42-45)

What are the reasons to radiograph an abdomen?

Right Lateral View

Which view is better at visualizing the kidneys compared to it's opposite?

Caudal aspect of 13th rib

What is the site to measure for a right lateral abdomen view?

Caudal aspect of 13th rib

What is the central ray/ beam center for a dog?

2-3 fingerbreadths caudal to 13th rib

What is the central ray/ beam center for a cat?

1" cranial to xiphoid prodcess

What is the cranial boundary for a right lateral abdomen view?

Greater trochanter

What is the caudal boundary for a right later abdomen view?

Peak of Expiration

When should you take a radiograph peak of expiration or peak of inspiration?

Rib heads super imposed, coxofemoral joints superimposed, intervertebral foramina same size, transverse processes superimposed, Ilial wings superimposed

What are signs of perfect positioning/symmetry of lateral abdomen?

Caudal aspect of 13th rib at level of umbilicus

What is the site to measure for a VD abdominal view?

Caudal aspect 13th rib at level of umbilicus

What is the beam center for a VD abdominal view of a dog?

2-3 fingerbreaths below to 13th rib/umbilicus

What is the beam center for a VD abdominal view of a cat?

1" cranial to xiphoid

What is the cranial boundary for a VD abdominal view?

Greater trochanter of femur including coxofemoral joints

What is the caudal boundary for a VD abdominal view?

Sternum/spin superimposed, Ribs symmetric/equidistant from spine, Wings of ilium symmetrical, obturator foramen symmetrical, spinous process centered and superimposed over vertebral body

What are signs of perfect positioning/symmetry for VD/DV abdominal view?

Right Lateral View

What view is needed to diagnosis Gastric dilation volvulus (GDV)?

Double bubble or boxing glove pattern of gas in the stomach

What signs are consistent with a GDV on a radiograph?

Heart, trachea, esophagus, blood vessels, nerves, lymph nodes, thymus

What does the mediastinum?

Coughing, respiratory distress, tachypnea, shallow breathing, trauma - check for lung contusions, metastasis check, suspicion of heart disease

What is the reasons to take a thoracic cavity?

Peak of inspiration

When should a thoracic radiograph be taken, peak of expiration or peak of inspiration?

0.03 seconds or less

How long of exposure time is needed to minimize motion artifact?

Base of skull

What is the site of measure for a radiograph for upper respiratory tract?

Over pharynx

What is the beam center for a radiograph for upper respiratory tract?

Lateral canthus of eye

What is the cranial boundaries for a radiograph for upper respiratory tract?

C3

What is the caudal boundaries for a radiograph for upper respiratory tract?

VD, right lateral

What are the two routine views for thoracic radiographs?

Right Lateral, Left Lateral, VD or DV

What are the three views for metastasis check?

Caudal border of scapula

What is the site of measure for a lateral view of thorax?

Caudal border of scapula, between 5th - 6th ribs, point of strongest heartbeat

Where is the center beam located on Lateral View of thorax?

Thoracic inlet

What is the cranial boundary for lateral view of thorax?

L1, include all of ribcage

What is the caudal boundary for a lateral view of thorax?

Rib heads superimposed, intervertebral foramina same size, transverse processes superimposed, forelimbs out of field of view

What are signs of perfect positioning/ symmetry lateral thorax?

Caudal border of scapula

What is the site to measure for a VD and DV thoracic radiograph?

Midline at caudal border of scapula, between 5th-6th ribs

Where is the center beam located on a VD and DV thoracic radiograph?

Thoracic inlet

What is the cranial boundary for a VD and DV thoracic radiograph?

L1, all of ribcage

What is the caudal boundary for a VD and DV thoracic radiograph?

Sternum/ spine superimposed, ribs symmetric, spinous processes centered over vertebral bodies

What is the signs of perfect positioning/symmetry VD or DV thorax?

Can visualize fluid and/or free air in thoracic cavity

How would a horizontal x-ray beam be used to help?

Length of long and short axis of heart compared to length of T4 vertebra

How would you calculate the vertebral heart score?

Method of checking/measuring for cardiac enlargement

When would you need to use the Vertebral Heart Score?