Interpreting Thoracic Radiographs
Posted: Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 | Updated: Wednesday, August, 10th 2022
Posted: Wednesday, December 8th, 2021 | Updated: Wednesday, August, 10th 2022
Alveolar Pattern Example
|
Alveolar Pattern Example
|
Alveolar Pattern Right Interstitial Pattern Left Cranial Example
|
Interstitial Patterns
Areas of the lungs may appear varying degrees of opaque. The pulmonary vessels will be partially obscured, but visible
Alveolar Patterns
Areas of the lungs are opaque. The pulmonary vessels will be obscured and not visible. Often times, you'll be able to see air bronchograms with this pattern. The photo above notating aspiration pneumonia has an alveolar pattern and air bronchograms in the right middle lung lobe along with a lobar sign.
Bronchial Patterns
The walls of the airways will appear thicker and varying degrees of opaque
Pneumothorax
In a patient with a pneumothorax, the opacity of the lungs will be decreased. The vessels of the heart will often be very easy to visualize due to the varying degree of opacity
Congestive Heart Failure or Heart Disease
In patients with congestive heart failure or heart disease, the radiographs my show elevation of the trachea dorsally, left atrial enlargement, left ventricular enlargement, general cardiomegaly, pulmonary venous distension, and an interstitial pattern in the perihilar and dorsocaudal lung lobes. Cats may present in heart failure showing pleural effusion or various interstitial patterns. They may have a valentine shaped heart as well
Other Notes to Consider
Aspiration pneumonia is often seen first in the right middle lung lobe (see photo above). Atelectasis will often result in a shift of the heart's normal location
Areas of the lungs may appear varying degrees of opaque. The pulmonary vessels will be partially obscured, but visible
Alveolar Patterns
Areas of the lungs are opaque. The pulmonary vessels will be obscured and not visible. Often times, you'll be able to see air bronchograms with this pattern. The photo above notating aspiration pneumonia has an alveolar pattern and air bronchograms in the right middle lung lobe along with a lobar sign.
Bronchial Patterns
The walls of the airways will appear thicker and varying degrees of opaque
Pneumothorax
In a patient with a pneumothorax, the opacity of the lungs will be decreased. The vessels of the heart will often be very easy to visualize due to the varying degree of opacity
Congestive Heart Failure or Heart Disease
In patients with congestive heart failure or heart disease, the radiographs my show elevation of the trachea dorsally, left atrial enlargement, left ventricular enlargement, general cardiomegaly, pulmonary venous distension, and an interstitial pattern in the perihilar and dorsocaudal lung lobes. Cats may present in heart failure showing pleural effusion or various interstitial patterns. They may have a valentine shaped heart as well
Other Notes to Consider
Aspiration pneumonia is often seen first in the right middle lung lobe (see photo above). Atelectasis will often result in a shift of the heart's normal location
Sources:
Fischetti, Anthony. "Making Sense of Lung Patterns." Vetgirl, 2 May 2018. https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/may-2-2018-radiology-101-making-sense-lung-patterns/. Webinar.
Lee, Justine. "Cardiac Emergencies in the ER and ICU." Vetgirl. 27 Oct. 2015. https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/october-27-2015-cardiac-emergencies-in-the-er-and-icu-2-hrs/. Webinar.
Winter, Matthew. "Interpreting Thoracic Radiograph Lung Patterns." Vetgirl, 20 July 2021. https://vetgirlontherun.com/real-life-rounds/july-20-2021-interpreting-thoracic-radiograph-lung-patterns/. Webinar.
Fischetti, Anthony. "Making Sense of Lung Patterns." Vetgirl, 2 May 2018. https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/may-2-2018-radiology-101-making-sense-lung-patterns/. Webinar.
Lee, Justine. "Cardiac Emergencies in the ER and ICU." Vetgirl. 27 Oct. 2015. https://vetgirlontherun.com/webinars/october-27-2015-cardiac-emergencies-in-the-er-and-icu-2-hrs/. Webinar.
Winter, Matthew. "Interpreting Thoracic Radiograph Lung Patterns." Vetgirl, 20 July 2021. https://vetgirlontherun.com/real-life-rounds/july-20-2021-interpreting-thoracic-radiograph-lung-patterns/. Webinar.