213 Week 3 Review

• Epiglottitis (supraglottitis)bacterial infection of the epiglottis most common in children 2 to 5 years old, may also affect adults. Its a serious condition that can rapidly be fatal (within hours of onset); results from blockage of airway caused by swelling. Examination must be performed in an emergency department by specialist using a laryngoscope; airway can be reopened by insertion of endotracheal tube or performing a tracheostomy (opening through the front of the neck). Physician or other attendant should accompany patient during radiographic procedure to ensure airway remains open.
• Situs inversus (also known as visceral inversion) 2 in which the major organs of the body are on the opposite side. With this condition, the heart is located in the right thorax. An anatomic side marker (left or right) must be placed on the image receptor prior to exposure. If the marker is not seen radiographically, the exposure should be retaken to ensure the correct side of the thorax is identified.
• When a lung collapses, or when air or fluid collects between these two layers, this space may be visualized radiographically. Air or gas present in this pleural cavity results in a condition called a pneumothorax, in which air or gas pressure in the pleural cavity may cause the lung to collapse.
• Bronchiectasis is an irreversible dilation or widening of bronchi or bronchioles that may result from repeated pulmonary infection or obstruction. Areas of bronchial walls are destroyed and become chronically inflamed, resulting in increased production of mucus and causing chronic cough and expectoration (coughing up sputum). Pus can collect in dilated regions, resulting in an increase in regional radiodensity with less air in these regions (most common in the lower lobes).
• Atelectasis is a condition rather than a disease, in which collapse of all or a portion of a lung occurs as the result of obstruction of the bronchus or puncture or “blowout” of an air passageway. With less air in the lung than normal, this region appears more radiodense, and this may cause the trachea and heart to shift to the affected side.
• Occupational lung disease (forms of pneumoconiosis) arises from occupational exposures, including certain types of mine work, sandblasting, and similar professions. Chest x-rays show distinctive patterns of nodules and scarring densities.
• Hemothorax, which occurs when the fluid is blood. A common cause of right-sided or bilateral pleural effusion is congestive heart failure. Causes of left-sided effusion include trauma, pulmonary infarct, pancreatitis, and subphrenic abscess.

  Any type of pleural effusion is demonstrated by fluid levels on horizontal-beam chest radiographs. Small amounts are best shown by a lateral decubitus position with affected side down or with erect positioning.
• Ascites is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen. It is usually caused by long-standing (chronic) conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver or by metastatic disease to the peritoneal cavity.
• Pectus carinatum (pigeon breast): This defect is characterized by anterior protrusion of the lower sternum and xiphoid process. It is usually a benign condition but could lead to cardiopulmonary complications in rare cases.
• Osteomyelitis: This localized or generalized infection of bone and marrow can be associated with postoperative complications of open heart surgery, which requires the sternum to be split. The most common cause of osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection.