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…
CARDIOVASCULAR IMAGING
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…
Pleural and Subpleural Opacities
Abstract Pleural and subpleural pulmonary opacities may often be distinguished by their borders, with tapered borders favoring a pleural origin while a sulcus sign or irregular borders favor a pulmonary…
Pleural Effusions
Abstract Pleural effusion, a common observation with a variety of causes, is a very nonspecific finding that requires a careful search for associated findings and clinical correlation. Congestive heart failure…
Chest Wall Lesions
Abstract Chest wall lesions may arise in the subcutaneous soft tissues or the thoracic cage, which includes the ribs and associated muscle, vessels, and nerves. Evaluation of the subcutaneous soft…
Introduction
Abstract Analysis of a chest x-ray requires careful review of the image to develop an accurate perception and description of the abnormalities. The basic patterns of opacities or lucent abnormalities…
The Thoracic Aorta
Key Points ▪ The chest radiograph is useful to prompt consideration of aortic pathologies but is not able to reliably offer a final diagnosis for most, which is reserved for…
Pulmonary Vasculature and Pulmonary Embolism
Key Points ▪ To appreciate the abnormal patterns of pulmonary vasculature, it is important to be proficient with the details and nuances of normal pulmonary vasculature patterns. ▪ The classic…
Bioprosthetic Valves
Key Points ▪ Most bioprostheses can be identified on and localized by chest radiography. The lateral chest radiograph often assists with obviating the projection of a bioprosthesis onto the spine,…
