Fundamental Radiological Findings

OVERVIEW

This section organizes content by the fundamental “units” of radiology: radiological findings. Clicking on each finding on this page will reveal a more detailed page on the findings, as well as a section that outlines the differential diagnosis for said finding.

CHEST X-RAY

The following are important radiological findings that are often observed on chest X-rays:

Heart:

• Pneumopericardium
• Silhouette Sign (Right Heart Border)
• Silhouette Sign (Left Heart Border)

Lungs:

Algorithmic Approach To Lung Opacities: this is a general guide to discuss the topic of lung opacities and provide a framework of how to think about lung opacities.

• Air/Fluid Level Over The Lung Field
• Hemithorax Opacification
• Hazy Opacities
• Air Bronchograms
• Solitary Pulmonary Nodule/Mass
• Cavitary Pulmonary Lesion

Mediastinum:

• Widened Mediastinum
• Pneumomediastinum
• Anterior Mediastinal Mass
• Middle Mediastinal Mass
• Posterior Mediastinal Mass

Spine:

• Spine Sign

Diaphragm:

• Air Beneath The Diaphragm
• Deep Sulcus Sign
• Silhouette Sign (Right Hemidiaphragm)
• Silhouette Sign (Left Hemidiaphragm)

Other:

• Subcutaneous Emphysema

ABDOMINAL X-RAY (KUB)

Bowels:

• Bowel Dilation
• Pneumoatosis Intestinalis

Signs Intraperitoneal Free Air:

• Air Beneath The Diaphragm
• Visualized Falciform Ligament
• Rigler sign

HAND X-RAY

Carpal bones:

• Swan Neck Deformity
• Boutonniere Deformity

RENAL ULTRASOUND

Vessels (with doppler):

• Reversed Diastolic Flow In The Renal Artery

NON-CONTRAST HEAD CT-SCAN

Brain:

• Increased Signal Attenuation In The Brain

CONTRAST HEAD CT-SCAN

Brain:

• Ring Enhancing Lesion

ABDOMINAL CT-SCAN

Liver:

• Liver Lesion

Mesentery:

• Misty Mesentery

MEDICAL EQUIPEMNT 

Tubes:

• Endotracheal Tube
• Nasogastric Tube
• Tracheostomy Tube

Other:

• Pacemaker
• Inferior Vena Cava Filter