Penetrating Aortic Ulcer
A penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU) occurs when an atherosclerotic plaque erodes through the inner lining of the aorta, creating a small ulceration that can penetrate into deeper layers of the…
Author: A. Mendelson, MD
Fluid In The Lung With Pneumonia
A parapneumonic effusion refers to fluid that collects between the layers of tissue lining the lung and chest cavity (pleural space) as a result of pneumonia. This condition occurs when…
Hydrothorax
Hydrothorax means excess fluid collecting in the space surrounding your lungs. This fluid accumulation can affect your breathing and requires medical attention. In this article, we’ll explain what hydrothorax means…
Retroaortic Left Renal Vein
A retroaortic left renal vein is an anatomical variation that can appear radiology reports. This condition is not typically cause for concern. If your imaging study mentions this finding, this…
Hemiazygos Vein
The hemiazygos vein is seen on chest imaging studies. It is located in the posterior thorax along the left side of the vertebral column. This vessel serves as a collateral…
Hemithorax
When you receive a radiology report after a chest X-ray or CT scan, you might encounter the term “hemithorax.” This term simply refers to one half of your chest cavity—either…
Hemidiaphragm
The term “hemidiaphragm” can appear on radiology reports. Simply put, a hemidiaphragm refers to one half of the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle that separates your chest from your abdomen. …
Post Thromobotic Syndrome
Post Thrombotic Syndrome (PTS) is a common long-term complication that can develop after a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clot in the leg. This condition affects approximately 20-50% of…
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) occurs when blood flow through the superior vena cava—the large vein carrying blood from the upper body to the heart—becomes obstructed. This obstruction leads to…
Mesenteric Mass
A mesenteric mass refers to an abnormal growth or lesion found in the mesentery, a fan-shaped fold of tissue that attaches the small intestine to the back wall of the…
Bullae
The term “bullae” can be used in radiology reports of the chest. These air-filled spaces in the lungs, larger than one centimeter in diameter. Bullae appear as dark, thin-walled areas…
Basilar Meaning in Lung
When you receive a radiology report after a chest scan, you might see terms referencing “basilar” findings in your lungs. Understanding this terminology can help you have more informed discussions…