Causes of widened mediastinun on chest x ray

-



  1. Technical issues - projection, AP film, patient rotated or inadequate inspiration. 
  2. Masses - Thyroid, Lymphoma, teratoma, neurogenic tumour. 
  3. Achalasia 
  4. Scoliosis
  5. Paravetebral abscess from tuberculosis
  6. Thoracic aortic aneurysm

Ellis H, Calne R, Watson C, Lecture Notes General Surgery, 11th ed. Oxford, Blackwell Publishing 2006
Radiology Masterclass, Mediastinal abnormalities [online] available at: http://radiologymasterclass.co.uk/tutorials/chest/chest_pathology/chest_pathology_page9.html [accessed:02/11/2014]
Van Sambeek R, Anterior mediastinal masses, [online] available at: http://eradiology.bidmc.harvard.edu/LearningLab/respiratory/sambeek.pdf, [accessed: 02/11/2014]
Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achalasia#mediaviewer/File:Achalasia2010.jpg [accessed: 02/11/14] 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pleural effusion

-
Image
Definition Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid in the pleural space between the visceral pleura surounding the lungs and the parietal pleural attatched to the throacic wall. Demographics Pleural effusions are relatively common, but it is a manifestation of other underlying diseases. The prevalence and incidence of pleural effusions is therefore dependent on it's cause. Pathophysiology/causes Pleural fluid is usually filtered from the parietal pleura into the pleural space, due to hydrostatic pressure from the capillaries, negative pressure in the pleural space and pleural oncotic pressure. The visceral pleura is perfused by the pulmonary system which has a lower pressure, and fluid in the pleural space is therefore drawn back in through the visceral pleura due to the higher oncotic pressure in plasma. Some of this fluid is then drained by the lymphatic system.
Read more

Describing skin lesions

-
Image
Describing lesions  Site, Distribution and symmetry Type of lesion Size Shape - edges, well demarcated? regular/irregular shape? Surface -color and texture, scaly vs non-scaly (epidermis lesions are scaly) Special features - fluid filled?, mobility, temperature/inflammation, other features.
Read more

Fluid Management Part 1

-
Image
Fluid compartments:   The body is made of about 60% water, which is divided between the intracellular and extracellular space. Fluid is distributed in these spaces by osmotic forces determined by ion distribution between the intracellular and extraceullular space. Approximately 2/3rds (40% total body weight) of the body’s fluids is distributed in the intracellular space and 1/3rd (20%)in the extracellular space.
Read more