Thorax Imaging

The plain film chest radiograph is among the most frequently ordered diagnostic procedures (Fig. 1). Therefore, gaining a solid understanding of the normal anatomy of the lungs, pleurae, heart and bony structures of the thorax is essential for evaluating radiographs of this region. In general, a standard chest radiograph includes two views-PA (posterior/anterior) and lateral . This allows for proper localization of structures, foreign bodies, masses, etc.
CT scans of the thorax allow for a more three-dimensional view of the thoracic viscera (heart and lungs) and adjacent structures and may allow for better detection of pathology that could be missed in a plain film radiograph (Fig. 2). Interpretation of any chest radiograph requires an in-depth understanding of the anatomy of the thorax. Intravenous or oral contrast may be used to differentiate specific thoracic structures, especially vasculature.

Figure 1 :Plain film. IVC = inferior vena cava, LV = left ventricle, RV = right ventricle, PA = posterior anterior.

Figure 2 : CT axial images. A-E arranged from superior to inferior. AA= ascending aorta, BC =brachiocephalic artery, DA= descending aorta, GH = glenohumeral joint, HH = humeral head, IV = interventricular, IVG = inferior vena cava, LA = left atrium, LBCV = left brachiocephalic vein, LCC = left common carotid artery, LPV = left pulmonary vein, LSC = left subclavian artery, LV = left ventricle, RA= right atrium, RBCV = right brachiocephalic vein, RPV = right pulmonary vein, RV= right ventricle, SP = spinous process, SVC = superior vena cava, TP = transverse process, VB = vertebral body.

مواضيع ذات صلة

Chambers of the heart

The pericardium

The Trachea

The diaphragm

The ribs

The pleura

Intervertebral Discs

Vertebral Column Curvatures

Sacrum

الهيكل المحوري Axial Skeleton

Larynx

Parathyroid glands