Extrathoracic Structures

Question 1

What 4 divisions if the thorax divided into for interpretation?

Answer 1

1. extrathoracic structures
2. pleural space
3. pulmonary parenchyma
4. mediastinum

Question 2

What are 4 important parts of the thoracic limbs that should be observed in thoracic radiographs?

Answer 2

1. scapula - aggressive lesions, fractures
2. glenohumeral joints - DJD, osteochondrosis, aggressive joint tumors
3. humerus - proximal metaphysis aggressive lesions; diaphyseal metastatic disease, hypertrophic osteopathy, osteomyelitis
4. cubital joints - DJD, septic arthritis, aggressive joint tumor

Question 3

Thoracic limbs of thoracic radiographs:

Answer 3

• normal cartilaginous growth of physis at proximal humerus
• periarticular osteophyte proliferation at glenohumeral joint and sternebrae

Question 4

What are 3 important structures in the cervical spinal area that should be observed on thoracic radiographs?

Answer 4

1. trachea - size, luminal opacity, redudant dorsal tracheal membrane (trachealis collapse)
2. esophagus - size, luminal opacity
3. cervical spine - IVD degeneration, aggressive vertebral body lesions

Question 5

Where are foreign bodies most commonly lodged in the esophagus?

Answer 5

thoracic inlet

Question 6

Tracheal collapse:

Answer 6

redundant trachealis membrane

Question 7

Thoracic spine, ribs, and sternum:

Answer 7

• VSD: osseous formation on ventral vertebral bodies
• ventral radiopaque line secondary to rib/costal cartilage degeneration
• costal cartilage fracture and callus formation

Question 8

What is seen in these thoracic radiographs?

Answer 8

• sternal lysis and collapse with soft tissue swelling
• multiple, small pulmonary nodules
• osteolytic diaphysis and osteophyte formation

Question 9

What is seen in this radiograph?

Answer 9

expansile soft tissue lesion —> rib lysis, loss of cortices

Question 10

What is likely happening in this radiograph?

Answer 10

• large soft tissue mass - opacity extends into thorax
• rib lesions
• mass displaces cardiac silhouette to the left

Question 11

How is diaphragmatic integrity observed?

Answer 11

• observation of diaphragmatic margins (pleural surfaces)
• lack of visualization of part of the diaphragm, likely by pleural fluid, pulmonary masses, or rupture
• cranial displacement of abdominal contents

Question 12

What is occurring in this radiograph?

Answer 12

• left crura is cranial on a right lateral projection
• gas and mineral opacity indicative of ingesta = herniated intestine in thorax!

(secondary to diaphragmatic rupture)

Question 13

What is seen in this radiograph?

Answer 13

• L crus displaced cranially
• border effacement between heart and small intestine/effusion displaces into thorax

Question 14

What 2 organ systems are able to be seen in the cranial abdomen in a thoracic radiograph? What should be observed?

Answer 14

1. liver and biliary tree
2. stomach

peritoneal detail - pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, abdominal effusion

Question 15

What is seen in these radiographs?

Answer 15

• pneumoperitoneuum
• metallic staples secondary to surgery

collection of gas likely a complication to the surgery

Question 16

What is seen on this radiograph?

Answer 16

• malpositioned stomach with gas within gastric wall (pneumatosis gastri)
• also gas within portal vasculature

GDV!