![]() For example, a radiologist may describe the border of the heart as being “silhouetted” or “obscured” by an adjacent lung process.Įxample of the silhouette sign on chest X-ray. It is normal to see this silhouette, and its absence-deemed the silhouette sign-indicates a problem, usually in the lung. the heart and the lungs) lie next to each other, a visible border forms at the interface. When two structures of different density (e.g. ![]() Silhouette sign: The concept behind this term is among the most important in chest X-rays, and is drilled into the head of every radiologist during training.While not exhaustive, the list includes many commonly used terms in defining these terms, I touch on many normal and pathologic conditions that can occur in the chest. Some terms could arguably be placed in both categories, but the salient information lies in the descriptions. Let’s dive in.Ī note before we start: I have divided the terms into two broad categories, descriptive terms and specific disease conditions. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and cough are among the myriad reasons chest X-rays are obtained. Curious cats can check out my previous post about X-rays for a more complete review of the physics.Ĭhest X-rays (or radiographs) are one of the most commonly performed imaging studies in all of radiology. A brief outline of the underlying physics is included when relevant. Many are specific to chest X-rays, but some are used more generally in radiology reports. With some of these terms the description can be used to represent several different underlying disease processes, while with others the description and disease process are one in the same. Check out the pleural effusions on that guy!īelow is a list of terms that radiologists use to describe chest X-rays. “Atelectasis in both of my front tires this week! What are the odds?” Not something you hear in everyday conversation. Legend has it doctors add about 10,000 new words to their vocabulary in the course of medical training, most of which are rarely if ever used outside of medicine.
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