Hilar Enlargement
Abstract The proximal right and left pulmonary arteries and proximal bronchi account for the appearance of the hila on the chest x-ray, but the arteries are crossed by the pulmonary…
Middle Mediastinal Mass
Abstract Middle mediastinal masses are usually recognized by alteration of normal mediastinal contours that may be closely related to the trachea, esophagus, great vessels, and lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy is a…
Diffuse Air Space Opacities
Abstract Diffuse bilateral confluent air space opacities with air bronchograms may result from alveolar edema, pneumonia, or hemorrhage. Associated findings such as cardiac enlargement and pleural effusions help confirm the…
Posterior Mediastinal Mass
Abstract Neural tumors are the most common primary tumors in the posterior mediastinum, but metastases, lymphoma, and primary bone tumors do occur in this location. Vertebral fractures often have associated…
Segmental and Lobar Consolidations
Abstract Segmental and lobar consolidations are the result of alveolar filling in contrast with lobar or segmental atelectasis, which is the result of alveolar collapse. Atelectasis results in loss of…
Widening of the Mediastinum
Abstract Widening of the mediastinum is a common observation that may be related to patient body habitus or atherosclerotic dilatation of the aorta and great vessels, but there may also…
Anterior Mediastinal Mass
Abstract Anterior mediastinal masses are detectable on chest x-rays when they distort the normal mediastinal contours or fill the retrosternal clear space on the lateral view. CT is often required…
Shift of the Mediastinum
Abstract Shift of the mediastinum indicates an imbalance of intrathoracic pressures. The mass effect of a large pleural effusion, pneumothorax, or intrathoracic mass will shift the mediastinum away from the…
Elevated Diaphragm
Abstract Elevation of the diaphragm may be the result of low lung volume, but apparent asymmetric elevation of a hemidiaphragm requires an explanation and may be the result of abdominal…
Pleural Thickening and Pleural Calcification
Abstract Pleural thickening has a variety of causes and often must be distinguished from pleural masses, while pleural calcifications are frequently the result of chronic infections, including bacterial or tuberculous…
