Radiology Key

31 Gallstone ileus Fig. 31.1A This patient has gallstone ileus. This is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction but should always be sought on plain films as this is…

25 Coarctation of the aorta Fig. 25.1A This radiograph demonstrates inferior rib notching bilaterally. The diagnosis is coarctation of the aorta. Background Coarctation of the aorta does not usually present…

23 Aortic dissection Fig. 23.1A This radiograph demonstrates widening of the mediastinum caused by a thoracic aortic dissection. Background This is an important condition with a high mortality rate. Untreated…

19 Pneumomediastinum Fig. 19.1A This patient has extensive pneumomediastinum. (With thanks to Dr Godfrey Chatora for providing this radiograph.) Background Pneumomediastinum refers to air in the mediastinal cavity. There are…

21 Empyema Fig. 21.1A This patient has a right-sided empyema, with some air within it superiorly. Background Empyema refers to an infected pleural space collection, and as such most commonly…

29 Gastric outlet obstruction Fig. 29.1 This radiograph demonstrates a distended stomach and a paucity of bowel gas elsewhere. This patient has gastric outlet obstruction (strictly speaking in this case…

9 White-out hemithorax Background White-out hemithorax is an important radiological appearance because all three causes occur in unwell patients. These three causes are extensive pneumonia, collapse of the whole lung,…

22 Pericardial effusion Fig. 22.1 This radiograph demonstrates a water-bottle-shaped heart in a young patient who was subsequently shown to have a pericardial effusion at echocardiography. Background Pericardial effusion is…

16 Lung metastases – multiple pulmonary nodules Fig. 16.1A This radiograph demonstrates several round soft tissue nodules of varying sizes. This patient has multiple lung metastases. Background This is an…

15 Lung cancer and the solitary pulmonary nodule Fig. 15.1A This patient has a rounded irregular abnormality in the right mid-zone peripherally. This is a solitary pulmonary nodule, with subsequent…