Patulous Esophagus
Patulous esophagus is a condition where the esophagus, the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach, remains abnormally open. This finding is often detected during radiological imaging,…
Author: A. Mendelson, MD
What is an Empyema?
Empyema is a collection of pus in the space between the lung and the chest wall, called the pleural space. An empyema can be visualized on imaging studies of the…
Tortuous Aorta
A tortuous aorta is a common finding on imaging reports, often seen in older adults. If you’ve had a chest X-ray or CT scan and your radiology report mentions a…
Septic Emboli
Septic emboli indicate an underlying infection that has spread through the bloodstream to another site in the body. These infected clots travel to different organs, most commonly the lungs, brain,…
Pleural Space
When you receive a chest X-ray or CT scan report, you may see the term “pleural space” mentioned. Radiologists may mention the pleural space when it’s normal or when an…
Aortic Knob
When you receive a chest X-ray report, you might come across the term “aortic knob.” This refers to the visible part of the aortic arch on a chest X-ray. While…
PICC Line vs Central Line
PICC line and central line are often mentioned in radiology reports. These medical devices are important in gaining central venous access for administering medications, nutrition and other uses. This article…
Picc Line vs Midline
When patients require long-term intravenous access, doctors often choose between two important options: Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC lines) and Midlines. This article will discuss how these devices appear on…
Westermark Sign
Westermark sign is a finding that can indicate a life-threatening pulmonary embolism (PE) on a chest X-ray. While CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) is the gold standard for diagnosing PE, recognizing…
Pulmonary Infarction
Pulmonary infarction occurs when a segment of lung tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. This can happen when a blood clot blocks the arteries that supply the…
Bochdalek Hernia
A Bochdalek hernia is a congenital condition where abdominal organs, such as the stomach or intestines, move into the chest through a defect in the diaphragm. This condition is usually…
Gastroesophageal Junction
The gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) is the area where the esophagus meets the stomach. It plays a role in digestion and prevents stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus. When…