Chest Reports

Chest Reports

<Item to be evaluated:

Lung parenchyma
Costophernic sinuses
Cardiac size and shape
Chest wall including ribs, scapulae, clavicles and spine
Extra thoracic soft tissues specially

Shoulder joints
Lower neck
Breast shadows [females]

Chest X ray
<Normal Findings
Clear both lung fields and costophrenic angles
Normal Cardiac size and shape

<Normal [looking for lymph nodes]
Clear both lung fields and costophrenic angles
Normal Cardiac size and shape
No radiological evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes

<Normal [Senile changes]
Senile pulmonary changes with exaggerated hilar bronchovascular
     marking ± crowdening of the ribs.
Clear both lung fields and costophrenic angles
Normal Cardiac size and shape
NB       The cardiac shadow in these patients may be enlarged, usually
with left ventricular dilatation, then you can say
Increased cardiac transverse diameter with left ventricular preponderance ± dilated unfolded aorta
<Emphysematous chest

Hyperinflated lungs with exaggerated central bronchovascular markings and peripheral attenuation of the vascular shadows.
Low flat diaphragm

Exaggerated retrosternal and retrocardiac spaces with increased AP diameter of the chest (burrle chest).

NB If emphysematous bulla is present mention its site and size
If multiple bullae are present then you say: Multiple variable sized emphysematous bullae are seen ___ (mention their sites), the largest is located in ___ and measures about ____ cm in maximal diameters

No evidence of pulmonary parenchymal masses or infiltrations
Clear both costophernic angles
Normal Cardiac size and shape

Chest pathology
Focal pulmonary lesions   X rays

<Pulmonary nodule [well defined lesion measuring less than 3cm in
    diameters]
A well defined ___ shape [mention if it is oval, rounded,..] pulmonary
     nodule is seen in ____ [mention to site of the lesion by lung zone if only PA
      film is present and by lung lobe if lateral view is present]
The lesion measures _ X _ cm in maximal diameters with smooth [or
      speculated] edge ± matrix calcifications

Example: The lesion measures 2X3 cm in maximal diameters with smooth margin and multiple foci of matrix calcifications seen inside.

The surrounding lung parenchyma as well as the rest of both lung fields
are clear.
Costophernic angles are free
Normal cardiac size and shape

NB       If the nodule has a speculated margin, you should assess the hilum and mediastinum for the presence of enlarged lymph nodes [lateral film should be present]
NB       Don’t forget to see if the nodule is connected to the hilum by a vascular pedicle in the form of one or two linear opacities passing between the lesion and hilum, if present the diagnosis of pulmonary AVM is suggested.
NB       Nodules which are not classic for tuberculoma or hamartoma are recommended for further evaluation by CT
NB       CT examination of the chest should be the next step if you can not accurately diagnose any pulmonary lesion
A well defined pulmonary nodule may contain air bronchogram then you describe the lesion as before and you mention that the lesion contains air bronchogram. The differential diagnosis of this lesion includes:

Round pneumonia
Pulmonary lymphoma
Alveolar cell carcinoma

A well defined cavitating pulmonary nodule may contain a central cavity filled with air and may be multiple in many cases. Then you described the lesion as mentioned before and you mention that the lesion contains a central area of cavitation with thin [or thick] margin. The differential diagnosis of these lesions include

Wegener's granulomatosis [thick margin]
Septic emboli [thin margin]

Lesion that can be diagnosed by plain X ray and needs no further evaluation by CT include: pneumonia, tuberculoma, hamartoma, pulmonary deposits specially in the presence of a known primary malignancy, lung abscess,fungal ball, pulmonary infarct,..

<Multiple pulmonary nodules      X rays
Multiple pulmonary nodules are seen scattered in both lung fields, the
largest measures ___X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters and is located in ___ [mention the site of the largest nodule, upper lobe, middle lobe, lower lobe, left, right,…]
The lesions showed homogenous density with no evidence of areas of
       breakdown ± calcifications.
Costophrenic angles are free.

NB In these cases you should check for pleural or chest wall lesions
Examples: ● Osteolytic lesions in ribs, spine [lateral view], shoulders,..
● Pleural thickening or effusion

NB If pleural effusion is present you write: obliterated [right, left or both]
costophernic angle(s) by pleural effusion seen extending along the lateral chest wall or rasing to the axilla.

Normal cardiac size and shape

NB If the heart is enlarged you write:
Increased cardiac transverse diameter with evidence of [ left ventricle, left sided, right ventricle and left arterial, all chamber] enlargement
Also mention if the aorta is dilated and unfolded.

NB Multiple pulmonary nodules are commonly representing metastatic
deposits in the presence or absence of a known primary malignancy.

NB Multiple less common nodules include hydatid cysts and AVMs

NB Tuberculomas and hamartomas are rarely multiple.

NB A nodule with speculated margin usually represents a bronchogenic
carcinoma. The margin is better assessed by CT
A bronchogenic carcinoma may have multiple metastatic deposits in
the same lung, opposite lung or both lungs. [deposits well have smooth
margins]

Focal lung lesions X rays

<Pulmonary mass [well defined lesion measuring more than 3cm in diameters]

A well defined ___ shape [mention if it is oval, rounded,..] pulmonary
mass lesion is seen in ____ [mention to site of the lesion by lung zone if only PA film is present and by lung lobe if lateral view is present]
The lesion measures _ X _ cm in maximal diameters with smooth [or
speculated] edge ± matrix calcifications

Example: The lesion measures 4X5 cm in maximal diameters with lobulated margin and multiple foci of matrix calcifications seen inside.

The surrounding lung parenchyma as well as the rest of both lung fields
are clear.
Costophernic angles are free
Normal cardiac size and shape

NB Pulmonary masses in adults include [bronchogenic carcinoma, hydatid
cyst, and large metastatic deposits]

Hydatid cyst: water density, thin margin, no enhancement
Metastatic deposit: solid density, known primary, smooth margin and can contain calcium

NB A solid mass in the lung in an adult should be considered as
bronchogenic carcinoma until proved otherwise
<Multiple pulmonary masses

Multiple pulmonary mass lesions are seen scattered in both lung fields, the
largest measures ___X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters and is located in ___ [mention the site of the largest mass lesions, upper lobe, middle lobe, lower lobe, left, right,…]
The lesions showed homogenous density with no evidence of areas of
breakdown ± calcifications.
Costophrenic angles are free.

NB In theses cases you should check for pleural or chest wall lesions
Examples: ● Osteolytic lesions in ribs, spine [lateral view], shoulders,..
● Pleural thickening or effusion

NB If pleural effusion is present you write: obliterated [right, left or both]
costophernic angle(s) by pleural effusion seen extending along the lateral chest wall or rasing to the axilla.

Normal cardiac size and shape

NB Multiple pulmonary mass lesions are commonly representing
metastatic deposits in the presence or absence of a known primary malignancy.

NB Multiple less common mass lesions are due to hydatid disease

NB A mass lesion with speculated or smooth lobulated margin usually represents a bronchogenic carcinoma and may contain calcium. The margin is better assessed by CT
A bronchogenic carcinoma may have multiple metastatic deposits in
the same lung, opposite lung or both lungs. [metastatic lesions well have smooth margins]

Focal lung lesions    X rays

<Patchy opacity [Ill- defined lesion showing air bronchogram]
An ill- defined patchy opacity is seen in the ___ [mention the site of the
     lesion including right, or left, which lobe?!]
The lesion showed air bronchogram with no evidence of areas of breaking
       down [no measurements needed for these lesions]

NB In cases of multiple opacities you mention the site of the lesions
Example: Multiple variable sized pulmonary parenchymal patchy
opacities [or areas of alveolar consolidations] are seen in the right upper and left lower lobes showing air bronchogram with no areas of breaking down seen inside.

NB Focal pulmonary consolidation (s) are usually due to pneumonia and
less commonly due to infarcts in cases of pulmonary embolism.
Costophrenic angles are free.

NB If pleural effusion is present you write: obliterated [right, left or both]
costophernic angle(s) by pleural effusion seen extending along the lateral chest wall or rasing to the axilla.
Normal cardiac size and shape

Focal lung lesions X rays

<Cavitary lesion [A well defined lesion that is totally or partially containing air]

NB The diagnosis of a cavity is applied for a lesion totally containing air OR a lesion with air –fluid level OR a cavity with a mass or a ball inside

A well defined cavitary lesion is seen ____ [mention the site of the lesion including right or left, which lobe?]
The lesion measures ______X _____ in maximal transverse diameters and showed an internal air- fluid level. The surface of the fluid is straight [usually seen in lung abscess] [or may be wavy giving the water- lily sign diagnostic of a ruptured hydatid cyst]

NB If the lesion contains air only then you write in item no.
The lesion has a thin [or thick] margin with no air fluid levels or soft tissue masses seen inside. It measures ____X____ in maximal transverse diameters

NB Multiple cavitary lesions containing air only with thin margins are
usually due to pneumatoceles. These lesions may be associated with
areas of pneumonic consolidations [due to staph. Pneumonia] and may be associated with pneumothorax [due to rupture of one of the lesions into the pleural cavity]

The surrounding lung parenchyma is clear [or may show strandy opacities
in cases of TB, or patchy areas of subsegmental consolidation in cases of
pneumonia with breakdown forming an abscess]
Normal cardiac size and shape

NB If pleural effusion is large and is not associated with shift of the heart and mediastinum to the opposite side then you write: A large [right or left] pleural effusion is seen obliterating the costophernic angle and rising to the axilla with no evidence of associated shift of the heart and mediastinum to the contralateral side denoting an underlying lung collapse.
Normal cardiac size and shape

<Cavitary lesions with special features X rays

Cavitary neoplasm

A well defined cavitary lesion is seen ___ [mention the site of the lesion
including right or left, which lobe?1]
The lesion measures __ X __ in maximal transverse diameters and
showed a thick enhancing margin with irregular inner wall.

The cavity has a thick margin with irregular inner wall
Soft tissue density or fluid may be seen inside this cavity due to tumor breakdown and necrosis
The mediastinum should be assessed for the presence of metastatic lymph nodes [seen as lobulated soft tissue shadows at the hilar region or in the paratracheal area. Confirmation of the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes can be reached by CT scan]

The surrounding lung parenchyma is clear [or may show multiple rounded
pulmonary nodules suggestive of metastatic deposits]
Look for the presence of pleural effusion
Normal cardiac size and shape.

Cavity with a soft tissue mass inside

A well defined cavitary lesion is seen ____ [mention the site of the lesion including right or left, which lobe?]
The lesionhas a thick [or may be thin] margin with an internal soft tissue
       nodule [if below 3cm] or mass lesion [if more than 3cm in diameter]
       measuring ____ X ___ in maximal diameters.
The surrounding lung parenchyma showed multiple retiunlo nodular
     opacities [± patchy areas of parenchymal consolidations] [This is a
     common finding because most of these lesions represent a fungal ball on
     top of a preexisting TB cavity and the changes in the lung around the
     cavity are usually the residual sequalae of this TB infection

NB The surrounding lung may be clear, then say that

NB In cases of TB lesions bilateral cavities may be present and a fungal
ball may occur only in one of the cavities. Multiple fungal balls may be
seen

NB If the inner wall of the cavity is irregular, then consider the possibility of
a breakdown in a neoplasm [bronchogenic carcinoma] whatever the contents of the cavity [air only, air- fluid level, or air and mass]

NB The differential diagnosis of a cavity with an internal mass lesion include:

Fungal ball [The most common]
Tumor breakdown
Rupture hydatid cyst

Acute rupture → air- fluid level
Chronic rupture → a mass inside the cavity [rarely seen]

CT scan of the chest
<Normal findings
Clear both lung fields and costophernic sinuses. No evidence of pulmonary
nodules or bronchiectatic changes.
No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes
No pleural or pericardial sac collections seen
Normal CT appearance of the heart and great vessels
Upper abdominal scans are free

< Normal [looking for lymph nodes] The same as above
< Normal [ Senile changes]
Senile pulmonary changes with exaggerated hilar bronchovascular
markings and bilateral basal peribronchial thickening
No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes
No pleural or pericardial sac collections seen
Normal CT appearance of the heart and great vessels
Upper abdominal scans are free

NB In elderly patients with senile pulmonary changes, the heart is usually
enlarged due to hypertension, also the aorta and coronary vessels may show atheromatous calcifications, then write:
The cardiac shadow is enlarged with left ventricular predominance
Atheromatous calcifications are seen in the aorta and coronary vessels
< Emphysematous chest

Hyperinflated lungs with exaggerated central bronchovascular markings and peripheral attenuation of the vascular shadows.

Exaggerated retrosternal and retrocardiac spaces with increased AP diameter of the chest (burrle chest).

No evidence of pulmonary parenchymal masses or infiltrations
Clear both costophernic angles
Normal Cardiac size and shape

NB If you see emphysematous bullae you can discriminate between
centrilobular emphysema [where bullae or blebs are seen in the lung parenchyma] and paraseptal emphysema [where the lesions are subpleural in location]. However both types can be seen in cases of panacinar emphysema

NB Blebs are small bullae measuring less than 1cm in diameter

NB The chest may be emphysematous without detectable bullae or blebs,
in this case the main finding in CT scan is the increased antroposterior diameter of the chest.

No pleural or pericardial sac collections seen
Normal CT appearance of the heart and great vessels

NB The chest may be enlarged due to COPD then write:
The cardiac shadow is enlarged with right sided predominance. Look also for atheromatous changes in the aorta and coronary vessels.

Focal lesions    CT

<Pulmonary nodule
A well defined ___ shaped [mention if the nodule is oval, rounded,..] is
    seen in ___ [mention the site of the lesion including left, right and the
     segment where the lesion is located]
The lesion measures __ X __ cm in maximal transverse diameters with
      ___ margin [mention if the margin is smooth, speculated, lobulated,…]
     ± matrix calcifications

Example: A well defined rounded pulmonary nodule is seen in the anterior segment of the right upper lobe measuring 2.5X1.7cm in maximal transverse diameters. It has a speculated margin with no evidence of matrix calcification

The surrounding lung parenchyma as well as the rest of both lung fields
are clear.
Costophernic angles are free
Normal cardiac size and shape

NB Pleural thickening and/or effusion may be present, then write:
A___ [mention right or left] sided pleural effusion is seen filling the costophernic sinus ± underlying compression atelectasis of the adjacent lower lobe lung parenchyma.

NB If the nodule is adjacent to a rib, mention if there is bone erosion or not.

NB If the nodule has a speculated margin, you should assess the hilum and mediastinum for the presence of enlarged lymph nodes

NB Don’t forget to see if the nodule is connected to the hilum by a vascular pedicle in the form of one or two linear opacities passing between the lesion and hilum, if present the diagnosis of pulmonary AVM is suggested.

<Multiple pulmonary nodules    CT
Multiple pulmonary nodules are seen scattered in both lung fields, the
largest measures ___X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters and is located in ___ [mention the site of the largest nodule, considering, left, right, and the segmental location]
The lesions showed homogenous soft tissue density with smooth [or
        lobulated] outlines ± areas of breakdown [usually seen in larger nodules]
       with no evidence of matrix calcification

NB In cases of multiple hydatid cysts the nodules will show water density,
then write: The lesions showed homogenous density with clear water contents. No evidence of internal septations, mural calcification or enhancement.

No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes
No evidence of pleural or pericardial sac collections

Normal CT appearance of the heart and great vessels
NB If the heart is enlarged you can write: Enlarged cardiac shadow with
evidence of _____ [mention the chambers that are enlarged, or if the heart is globally enlarged you write: with evidence of all chamber dilatation] Also mention if there are atheromatous calcification of the aorta and coronary vessels.

Multiple cavitating pulmonary nodules usually contain a central cavity filled with air. Then you described the lesions as mentioned before and you mention that they contain central areas of cavitation with thin [or thick] margin. The differential diagnosis of these lesions include

Wegener's granulomatosis [thick margin]
Septic emboli [thin margin]

<Pulmonary mass    CT
A well defined ____ shaped [mention the shape of the lesion, rounded,
     oval, lobulated, irregular,..] pulmonary mass lesion is seen in ___ [mention
     the site of the lesion including left, right, lobe and segment,..]

NB · The lesion is considered well defined if you can see all of its borders,
but if part of the lesion is merging with the mediastinum or chest wall,
then it is considered ill- defined
· A relatively well defined lesion= part of the lesion is well defined and
part is not defined
The lesion measures ____X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters with
a smooth margin [or lobulated, irregular,…]. It showed homogenous [or heterogenous] CT density and enhancement ± multiple areas of break down seen inside the lesion ± foci of matrix calcifications are also noted [if no calcium is seen in the lesion then write: No matrix calcification detected.

NB Pulmonary masses in adults include [bronchogenic carcinoma, hydatid
cyst, and large metastatic deposits]

Hydatid cyst: water density, thin margin, no enhancement
Metastatic deposit: solid density, known primary, smooth margin and can contain calcium

NB A solid mass in the lung in an adult should be considered as
bronchogenic carcinoma until proved otherwise

In cases of a mass diagnosed as bronchogenic carcinoma then you showed assess the followings

If the lesion is adjacent to the chest wall, then assess for bone or chest wall inversion, if present, then write the following

Associated CT evidence of chest wall invasion in the form of destruction of the adjacent rib or vertebra ± tumors mass seen infiltrating the chest wall muscles OR if not, then write:
No CT evidence of associated chest wall invasion

If the lesion is central and related to the mediastinum, then assess the distance of the lesion from the carina and presence of mediastinal invasion in the form of encasement of the main bronchus or pulmonary artery or SVC occlusion or invasion of the heart, if positive then write:

The lesion is seen invading the mediastinum totally encasing the [bronchus, pulmonary artery or both] or invading into the SVC or one of the cardiac chambers
NB In cases with mediastinal invasion, no need to measure the distance of the tumor from the carina
If the lesion did not invade the mediastinum, then write No CT evidence of mediastinal invasion

In all cases you should assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes

If +ve then write Associated enlargement of the mediastinal lymph nodes in the _ [mention the site: retrosternal, prevascular, retrocaval, carinal, subcarinal, aortic window, hilar, zygoesophageal, pericardial,…]
If -ve then write No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes

Upper abdominal sections should be assessed for the presence of hepatic deposits ± suprarenal masses

If +ve then write Upper abdominal sections showed multiple variable sized focal hepatic lesions in the _____ [left lobe, right lobe, both hepatic lobes]. The largest measures ____ X ____ cm and is present in the _____ [mention the site]

Unilateral or bilateral suprarenal mass lesion (s) are seen measuring ___X__ cm on the left side and ___X___ cm on the right side with homogenous [or heterogenous enhancement]

Diffuse lung lesions

Interstitial lung disease X- ray and CT
Common causes of interstitial lung spacities include interstitial pneumonia, interstitial edema, drug induced, radiation induced, collagen diseases and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Bilateral widespread interstitial opacities are seen affecting both lung fields
     being more pronounced in ___ [mention the site of severe affection ex.
     lower lobes, middle zones,..]
The lesions are associated with peribronchial thickening ± traction
      bronchiectasis [best seen in HRCT images]. Septal lines are also noted
      near the costodiaphragmatic recesses ± in the perihilar regions.
Multiple variable sized cystic air spaces are seen mainly in ____ [mention
       the site including the lower lobes, periphery of the lung field,..] giving the
       characteristic honey- combing [best seen in HRCT images]
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion is present or not
Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes [best evaluated by
      CT]. If present mention their anatomic sites [retrosternal, retrocaval,
      prevascular, aortic window, carinal, hilar, zygoesophageal, circum cardiac]
      also mention the texture [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of
      breakdown, matrix calcifications]

NB Interstitial lung disease associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy is usually seen in cases of sarcoidosis, lymphangitis carinomatosa and some cases of interstitial pneumonias of viral origin.
o Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

Diffuse lung lesions

Alveolar lung pathology X ray and CT
Common cases of alveolar lung opacities include, alveolar edema, pneumonia, alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar cell carcinoma and alveolar protienosis
Bilateral widespread pulmonary patchy opacities showing air bronchogram
     are seen affecting both lung field being more pronounced in ___ [mention
     the site of severe affection]:

Perihilar regions [Bat's wing appearance] in cases of pulmonary edema
Periplural subplural in cases of pneumonias

Look for the crazy- paving sign [seen only by HRCT] which is characteristic
     of alveolar protienosis. If present you will see patchy areas of opacified
     lung showing multiple hexagonal small frame like lesions representing
     the involved pulmonary lobules. Areas of normally aerated lung are seen
    also inbetween the opaque patches.
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion is present or not
Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes [best evaluated by
      CT]. If present mention their anatomic sites also mention the texture
      [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]

NB Lymph nodes are usually seen in cases of alveolar cell carcinoma and
can support the diagnosis.

NB In cases of alveolars, cell carcinomas one lung can show patchy areas
of consolidations frequently away from the costal pleural, while the other lung may show numerous pulmonary nodules which will coalse to form consolidative patches.
Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

Diffuse lung lesions

Nodular pattern X ray and CT
Common cases of miliary nodules in the lungs include, miliary TB, pneumoconiosis, miliary deposits, alveolar cell carcinoma, and sarcoidosis
There are miliary nodular opacities seen scattered in both lung fields being
      more pronounced in ___ [mention the site of severe affection] ± some of
      the nodules may be calcified

NB       Some miliary nodules like those of TB are usually diffusely scattered in
both lung fields
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion present or not
Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes [best evaluated by
      CT]. If present mention their anatomic sites also mention the texture
      [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]

NB       Lymph nodes can be seen in almost all cases of miliary shadows being more common in cases of sarcoidosis where the nodes are descrete, moderately enlarged, usually of homogenous density and may show matrix calcifications.
< In cases of pneumoconiosis the nodes are small, usually hilar and densely
     Calcified
< Metastatic nodes show malignant characters with central necrosis,
     heterogenous enhancement, usually with no matrix calcifications. These
     nodes may be also seen in cases of alveolar cell carcinoma.

NB In cases of pneumoconiosis a known complication is the development
of progressive massive fibrosis. In this case you will see:
Bilateral relatively well defined, almost symmetrical masses seen on either side of the superior mediastinum. The masses usually show irregular margins and may show central cavitation as well as matrix calcifications. Few nodules of pneumoconiosis may be identified in the rest of both lung fields.
Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

Diffuse lung lesions
< Cystic pattern
Common cause of cystic lesions filled with air in the lungs include:
Histeocytosis X, lymphangioleiomyeomatosis [LAM], lymphocytic pneumonia, tuberous sclerosis, emphysema and cystic bronchiectasis.
Multiple variable sized cystic air filled lesions are seen widely scattered in
     both lung fields being more pronounced in ___ [mention the sites of severe
     affection]

NB       < Sizable cysts in the range of 1-2 cm are seen in cases of
      histeocytosis X, emphysema and cystic bronchiectasis
< Small cysts < 1cm are seen in LAM and tuberous sclerosis. In these
     cases the cysts are of uniform size with very thin wall.
< Thin walls are also seen in cases of emphysema, while relatively
     thick margins are seen in cases of histeocytosis and bronchiectasis
Other diagnostic criteria in the history and films can help you to reach the
      Diagnosis:

Mural nodules are usually seen in cases of histeocytosis X
LAM occurs only in females
Patients with tuberous sclerosis may have mental retardation and cutaneous tubers. If brain scans are available. Look for the presence of intracranial calcifications.
Emphysematous bullae are usually located subpleural
In cases of cystic bronchiectasis, the lesions are usually central near the hilum and the presence of tubular bronchiectasis help in the differential diagnosis.

Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion is present or not

NB Most of the cases of cystic diffuse lung disease can have unilateral or
bilateral pneumothorax due to rupture of one or more of the cystic lesions in the pleural cavity except for bronchiectasis.
In such case you can write: There is ____ [mild, moderate, severe] amount of pneumothorax on the ____ [left, right, both] side seen compressing the underling lung parenchyma ± shift of the mediastinal structures to the contralateral side.

NB In cases of marked mediastinal shift with compression of the contralateral lung, the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax can be made [a surgical emergency]

Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes [best evaluated by
CT]. If present mention their anatomic sites also mention the texture
[homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]

NB Mediastinal lymph nodes can only be seen in cases of LAM and some cases of lymphocytic pneumonia.

Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

Please note that chest X- rays have a limited role in assessment of
mediastinal masses and the diagnosis in usually reached by CT and
confirmed by biopsy.

In each mediastinum [anterior, middle and posterior], there is a cyst, lymph nodes and one type of herniae.

[A] Mediastinal cyst

Pleuropericardial cyst [anterior mediastinum], bronchogenic cyst [middle mediastinum] and esophageal duplication cyst [posterior mediastinum]

A well defined cystic lesion is seen in ___ [mention the anatomic site,
which mediastinum] measuring ___X___ cm in maximal diameters.
The cyst contain clear fluid of water density with thin non enhancing
margin. No internal septations or mural calcifications could be seen.

NB The cyst may show internal septations and may show mural calcification, then mention that.

NB No mediastinal lymph nodes usually seen in cases of mediastinal cysts.
Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

[B] Mediastinal hernia
Hernia of Morgagni [anterior mediastinum], hiatus hernia [middle mediastinum], hernia of Bockdaleck [posterior mediastinum]

A sizable [or small] diaphragmatic hernia is seen in ___ mention the site,
   which mediastinum] containing ____ [mention the contents, part of the stomach, bowel loops, liver,spleen, omentum, vessels,…]
Except for the hiatus hernia, the lesion usually compresses the adjacent
     lung parenchyma with variable degree of atelectasis or consolidation
     collapse ± mediastinal shift to the contralateral side.
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion is present or not
No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes
Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
     lymph nodes, ascites,..

[C] Mediastinal lymphadenopathy
9 sites for mediastinal lymph nodes are known

Retrosternal: behind the edges of the maniburium sterni
Prevascular : Along the lateral border of the aortic arch
Retrocaval: Posterior to the superior vena cava
Aortic window: between the ascending and descending aorta and above the pulmonary artery
Precarinal: anterior to the tracheal buifurcation
Subcarinal: below t he tracheal bifurcation in the midline
Zygo- esophageal: between the heart and esophagus
Circum cardiac: Around the heart specially anteriorly
Bronchopulmonary: At the hilar region

Evidences of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes in the ____, ____ ,____
     [mention the sites of enlarged nodes according the above mentioned data].
     The affected nodes appear as soft tissue masses of variable sizes at their
     anatomic locations. They showed homogenous enhancement with no
     areas of breakdown or matrix calcifications.

NB Some nodes may show areas of breakdown (inflammatory and metastatic nodes), others may show calcifications (TB, sarcoidosis, pneumoconiosis,..)

NB Lymphomatous nodes are usually bulky and show homogenous enhancement with no areas of breakdown or calcifications. They usually encase the mediastinal vessels with evident vascular compromise.
NB Circum cardiac lymph nodes are almost always seen in NHL

Clear both lung fields with no evidence or pulmonary parenchymal lesions
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
In CT scans also mention if pericardial effusion is present or not
Assess the upper abdomen for the presence of focal hepatic lesions,
lymph nodes, ascites,..

Mediastinal lesions [CT only]
[A] Thymic mass

A relatively well defined soft tissue mass lesion is seen in the anterior
     mediastinum behind the sternum.
The lesion measures ___ X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters. It
      showed homogenous [or heterogenous] CT density and enhancement ±
      hypodense areas of breakdown seen inside the lesion.

NB Matrix calcifications are not usually seen in thymic masses ,if present,
then mention that.

The lesion is seen compressing the superior mediastinal vessels (aortic
arch, SVC, innominate veins) which are displaced posteriorly

NB Thymic tumors may invade the SVC or aortic arch, then the tumor is
known to be invasive.

NB The word "invasive" is more commonly used than the word "malignant"
to express the aggressive nature of the lesion.

NB       Vascular invasion of the mediastinal vessels by mediastinal tumors is
            suspected whenever there is a tumor tissue inside the vessel lumen.
            This possibility is better evaluated by MRI than CT
Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes, if present mention
      their anatomic sites also mention the texture
     [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
o Assess the upper abdominal section for the presence of focal hepatic
      lesions, lymph nodes, ascites,..

[B] Teratodermoid cyst

A relatively well defined soft tissue mass lesion is seen in the anterior
     mediastinum behind the sternum.
The lesion measures ___ X___ cm in maximal transverse diameters. It
      showed heterogenous CT density with hypodense areas of fat density and
      hyperdense foci of calcifications.

NB Cystic areas of fluid density may be also seen within the lesion.

NB Teratodermoid cysts usually extend on both sides of the mediastinum, but more to one side than the other

NB The lesion usually displaces the vessels without compression

Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes, if present
      mention If present mention their anatomic sites also mention the texture
      [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
Assess the upper abdominal section for the presence of focal hepatic
      lesions, lymph nodes, ascites,..

NB Teratodermoid cysts whenever malignant, they can invade the mediastinal vessels and may have metastatic mediastinal nodes.

[C] Thyroid mass with retrosternal extension [X ray and CT]

Enlarged___ (left, right or both) thyroid lobe (s) being the seat of a sizable soft tissue mass of heterogenous CT density and enhancement.
The mass measures __X__ in maximal transverse diameters and showed scattered foci of matrix calcifications

NB       In cases of affection of both thyroid lobes measure the largest lesion

NB      Calcium is usually present in cases of nodular goiter and some cases of thyroid cancer.

The enlarged thyroid is seen extending into the superior mediastinum compressing and displaying the trachea to the ____ (left or right) side.
The inferior extension of the lesion reachs the ___ (innominate vein, aortic arch, …)

NB The thyroid gland may be enlarged with or without extension into the superior mediastinum, then you write that the enlarged thyroid lobe does not extend retrosternally

NB The retrosternal extension of the thyroid mass is only diagnosed when you can identify a thyroid tissue behined the sternum

NB Nodular goiter is not associated with mediastinal lymph nodes then you can write: No CT evidence of changed mediastinal lymph nodes.
But thyroid cancer may be associated with mediastinal lymph nodes as well as pulmonary deposits

Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
o Assess the upper abdominal section for the presence of focal hepatic
lesions, lymph nodes, ascites,..

NB Thyroid mass is the most common causes of trachea compression and displacement.

[D] Aortic aneurysm
There is considerable dilatation of the ___ [mention the effected part of the aorta, ascending, arch, descending,__] measuring ___ cm in maximal cross sectional diameters.
The affected part of the aorta shows homogenous enhancement with no evidence of mural thrombosis or intimal dissection. No evidence of aneurysmal leakage

NB The aneurysm may show internal thrombus then write: The affected part of the aorta shows an intraluminal non enhancing lesion representing mural thrombosis.

NB Leaking aortic aneurysm is a surgical emergency, if present you will see the hemorrhage as a soft tissue density surrounding the aorta and extending into the retroperitoneal space

Normal appearance of the rest of the aorta as well as the pulmonary artery and its main branches.
Assess for the presence of mediastinal lymph nodes, if present
      mention their anatomic sites also mention the texture
      [homogenous, heterogenous, areas of breakdown, matrix calcifications]

NB Aortic aneurysms are not associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy then write: No CT evidence of enlarged hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes. However lymph nodes in the mediastinum may be present due to other associated pathology like lymphoma, sarcoidosis,…

[E] Aortic dissection
In cases of aortic dissection you should mention the extent of the dissecting intimal flap affecting which part of the aorta [ascending only, arch and descending aorta, whole aorta down to ___ mention the level of the end of dissection]

A hypodense dissecting intimal flap is seen involving ____ [mention the
      part of the aorta that is affected by dissection]. The flap is seen extending
      along the aortic course down to___ [mention the level of termination,
      above renal, infrarenal, aortic bifurcation,..]
The intimal flap separates the true and false aortic lumens both are patent
      as evidenced by homogenous contrast enhancement of both lumens

NB The false lumen may be the thrombosed, then write that no contrast enhancement seen in the false lumen denoting its thrombosis

NB The false lumen is usually located along the posterolateral aspect of the true lumen.

NB       The dissection may involve the origin of any of the aortic branches with or without ischemic changes of the organ supplied by the affected branch.

Normal appearance of the rest of the aorta as well as the pulmonary artery and its main branchs.
Assess for the presence of pleural effusion, if present mention its site (Rt
       or left or bilateral) and amount (mild, moderate,…)
o Assess the upper abdominal section for the presence of focal hepatic
      lesions, lymph nodes, ascites,..

Pleural effusion
A ___ (Rt. or left) sided pleural effusion is seen obliterating the
costophernic recesses and rising towards the axilla

NB When the effusion is large, there will be compression of the underlying lung parenchyma and may be shift of the mediastinal structures to the opposite side.

Clear both lung fields with no evidence of pulmonary parenchymal nodules or patches.
No evidence of pericardial effusion (in cases examined by CT) nor pleural effusion on the opposite side.
No radiological (or CT) evidence of enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes.
Upper abdominal sections are free.

NB Encysted pleural effusion may occur in the fissure, along the chest wall or along the mediastinal border. Then write: An ellipitical (or oval) shaped encysted pleural collection is seen on the ___ (left or Rt.) side along the ____ (major or minor fissure, costal margin,…). No evidence of marginal enhancement or intracystic air loculi

NB Both free and encysted effusions may occur in the same case and on the same side.

NB In cases of pleural empyema, the fluid is usually encysted with thick enhancing margin and may contain air loculi usually due to bronchopleural fistula rather than infection with gas forming organisms.

NB Massive pleural effusion may totally obliterate the hemithorax and cause total collapse of the underlying lung. In this case no shift of the mediastinal structures seen.

Pleural mesothelioma
Right ( or left) sided diffuse (or focal) non uniform pleural thickening is seen affecting the ___ (costal, mediastinal, diaphragmatic, all) pleural surfaces being more pronounced near the costodiaphragmatic recesses.
The lesion encases the underlying lung which showed partial volume loss.
Pleural plaques of calcifications are seen within the lesion (also may be seen on the opposite non involved side). Associated ___ (mild, moderate,..) ipsilateral pleural effusion is seen with consequent compression of the underlying lung parenchyma ± patchy areas of consolidation.

NB The pleural lesion may invade the mediastinum and extends across the midline to the opposite side. It also can invade the chest wall with rib destruction or may extend into the upper abdomen around the liver through the pleuro- peritoneal recesses. If these finding are present you should mention them in the report, if not also mention that.

Pleural mesothelioma may be associated with mediastinal lymphadenopathy then mention the sites of the enlarged nodes
If pericardial effusion is present, then mention it
o Mesothelioma may have liver deposits and abdominal lymph nodes then
mention that in the report, if not also mention that.

NB Pleural metastases and lymphoma are also described in a similar way to mesothelioma.

Radiology Lectures