14 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Fig. 14.1A This radiograph demonstrates hyperinflation of both lungs, a relatively small cardiac shadow and flattened hemidiaphragms in keeping with COPD. Background COPD refers…
12 Miliary TB Fig. 12.1A This radiograph shows several tiny nodules scattered evenly throughout the entirety of the lungs. This patient has miliary TB. Background See Chapter 11. Miliary TB…
11 Tuberculosis (TB) Background TB is transmitted by the airborne route and active TB is highly infectious. It is caused by acid-fast bacilli. Signs of old TB can often be…
3 Central lines Background Central lines or central venous pressure (CVP) lines are placed to allow access to the central venous circulation. They have several functions, such as venous access…
10 Lung abscess Fig. 10.1A This radiograph demonstrates several ill-defined opacities in both lungs with central cavitation. This patient was an intravenous drug abuser who had endocarditis complicated by cavitating…
13 Bronchiectasis Fig. 13.1 This patient has bronchiectasis in a central distribution. Background Bronchiectasis refers to permanent dilatation of bronchi and bronchioles. This leads to recurrent chest infections and sputum…
5 Chest drains Background Chest drains are placed for the drainage of pleural space collections. These may include pneumothoraces (Chapter 18), pleural effusions (Chapter 20) and haemothoraces in trauma patients….
6 Technical factors in CXR interpretation Technical factors are very important as they can mimic pathology. They may cause normal lung to appear white on the radiograph, mimicking other pathologies…
4 Permanent pacemakers Background Cardiac pacing is an established and effective treatment for cardiac arrhythmias and placement of a permanent pacemaker is a common procedure in hospitals. It may be…
1 Nasogastric tubes Background Nasogastric (NG) tubes are placed for a number of medical reasons. These include decompression of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient with intestinal obstruction and for…
