Rad 130 Ch. 2 Chest

Computed tomography: pathology

Frequently used to identify pathology of the mediastinum and lungs

Sonography: pathology

Used to detect plural effusion within the lungs

Nuclear medicine: pathology

Used to evaluate and diagnose, pulmonary diffusion conditions

MRI: (clinical conditions)

used to detect heart disorders, tumors masses, aortic, dissection, and aneurysms

Atelectasis

A condition in which collapse of all or a portion of a lung occurs as a result of a obstruction of the bronchi

Bronchiectasis

In irreversible, dilation or widening of bronchi, resulting from repeated pulmonary infection

COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)

A form of persistent obstruction of the airways that usually causes difficulty in emptying the lungs of air

Cystic fibrosis

Most common of inherited diseases; A condition in which secretions of heavy mucus may progressive “clogging” of bronchi

Dyspnea

A condition of shortness of breath

Emphysema

An irreversible and chronic lung disease in which airspace is in the viola become greatly enlarged as a result of Alveolar wall destruction

Plural effusion (2 types)

A condition of abnormal accumulation of fluid in the plural cavity

Empyema

A type of plural effusion which occur occurs when the fluid is pus

Hemothorax

A type of plural effusion, which occurs when the fluid is blood

Pneumonia (4 types)

Inflammation of the lungs that result in accumulation of fluid within certain sections of the lungs creating increased radio densities in these regions

Aspiration pneumonia

A type of pneumonia caused by aspiration of a foreign object or food into the lungs

Bronchiopneumonia

Bronchitis of both lungs

Lobar Pneumonia

Generally confined to one or two lobes of the lungs

Viral pneumonia

Pneumonia that causes inflammation of the alveoli and connecting lung structures

Pneumothorax

In accumulation of air and the plural space that causes partial or complete collapse of the lung

Pulmonary edema

A condition of excess fluid within the lung that most frequently caused by backup of pulmonary circulation associated with congestive heart failure

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Is an emergent condition in which the alveoli capillaries of the lung are injured or infected

Increase or decrease exposure factor: atelectasis

Increased technique

Increase or decrease exposure factor: bronchiectasis

Generally no technique change

Increase or decrease exposure factor: COPD

Changes in severe cases only

Increase or decrease exposure factor: cystic fibrosis

Increase with severe condition

Increase or decrease exposure factor: dyspnea

Depend depends on the cause

Increase or decrease exposure factor: emphysema

Significantly decreased technique

Increase or decrease Exposure factor: plural effusion

Increased technique

Increase or decrease exposure factor: pneumonia (all 4 types)

Generally no technical changes

Increase or decrease exposure factor: Pneumothorax

Generally, no technical changes

Increase or decrease exposure factor: pulmonary edema

Increase in severe cases

Increase or decrease exposure factor: respiratory distress syndrome

Increase without obscuring pathology

Routine- Chest PA/lateral (clinical indications)

Plural effusion, pneumothorax, atelectasis, signs of infection

Routine- Chest: lateral (clinical indications)

Pathology situated posterior to the heart, great vessels, sternum

Special- Chest: AP (clinical indications)

Pathology involving lungs: diaphragm: mediastinum. Also determines air fluid levels.

Special- Chest: Lateral decubitus (Clinical indications)

Small plural, effusion, small amount of air in plural cavity (pneumothorax)

Special- Chest: AP lordotic (Clinical indications)

Rule out calcifications and masses beneath the clavicle

Special- Chest: Anterior oblique positions (Clinical indications)

Pathology in the lungs, trachea, mediastinal structures. Determines the size and contours of the heart and great vessels.

Special- Chest: Posterior oblique positions (Clinical indications)

Pathology involve in the lung fields, trachea, mediastinal structures. Determines the size and contours of the heart and great vessels.