Author: A. Mendelson, MD

Pulmonary vascular congestion (PVC) is a common finding on chest imaging that indicates increased blood volume in the pulmonary circulation. It is often associated with heart failure, fluid overload, or…

Lung parenchyma is sometimes used by radiologists in reports and refers to the functional tissue of the lungs responsible for gas exchange. When reviewing chest imaging, radiologists assess lung parenchyma…

Subcutaneous emphysema is a finding on imaging tests that indicates air trapped within the soft tissues, typically beneath the skin. It can occur due to trauma, infections, or iatrogenic causes…

Lung nodules are a common finding on chest imaging, often discovered incidentally after chest X-rays or CT scans. These small, round spots in the lung tissue can raise concerns about…

Pulmonary contusion is a common finding in chest trauma.  This results from direct lung damage due to blunt force trauma, leading to hemorrhage and edema.  Recognizing pulmonary contusions on imaging…

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) means that cancer cells have invaded the pleural space.  This often leads to fluid accumulation around the lungs. This indicates advanced disease and negatively impacts patient…

Thoracic contusion is a bruising injury to the chest.  This can result from blunt force impacts, such as those sustained in car accidents, falls, or sports injuries. While the injury…

Flash pulmonary edema (FPE) is a sudden and severe form of pulmonary edema characterized by rapid fluid buildup in the lungs. This condition can be life-threatening, requiring immediate medical attention….

The term cardiomediastinal silhouette appears in chest X-ray reports.  It refers to the outline of the heart and mediastinum, the central compartment of the thoracic cavity that houses structures such…

Chest X-ray reports can state that there is a retrocardiac opacity.  This refers to an area of increased density located behind the heart on an X-ray.  A retrocardiac opacity is…