November 2021 Imaging Case of the Month: Let’s Not Dance the Twist

Prasad M. Panse MD and Michael B. Gotway MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic, Arizona

5777 East Mayo Boulevard

Phoenix, Arizona 85054

Editor’s Note: Parts of this presentation were used in the June 2020 Pulmonary Case of the Month.

History of Present Illness: An 82-year-old man presented to his physician for general health maintenance as well as a complaint of persistently poor quality sleep and poor appetite with weight loss. The patient had undergone robotic-assisted radical left nephroureterectomy and cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection and urinary diversion for left clear cell renal cell carcinoma (staged T2a, grade 2) and transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (carcinoma in situ at surgery), approximately 9 months earlier. The patient’s bladder malignancy was initially treated with transurethral resection, with histopathology at that procedure showing high-grade papillary urothelial malignancy with lamina propria invasion, but no muscular invasion; this procedure was followed by formal complete resection approximately 3 months later. The patient’s post-operative course was complicated by significant bleeding which required transfusion of 3 units of blood. He had undergone inferior vena caval filter placement prior to surgery when preoperative testing revealed lower extremity deep venous thrombus and pulmonary embolism.

Past Medical History: The patient’s past medical history was remarkable for atrial fibrillation treated with anticoagulation and hypertension. He also had a history of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction with moderate systolic dysfunction His medical list included warfarin (for his atrial fibrillation), acetaminophen, vitamin supplementation, hydrochlorothiazide, atorvastatin, ramipril, metoprolol, and zolpidem. He denied allergies. The patient was a former smoker, previously smoking 2 packs-per day for 35 years, quitting over 30 years prior to presentation.

His past surgical history was remarkable for laminectomy in addition to the recent urinary surgery. He also had a history of rectal laceration complicating previous prostatectomy for prostate carcinoma (Gleason 3 + 4, T2).

Physical Examination: showed the patient to be afebrile with normal heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure. Her room air oxygen saturation was 99%. The physical examination did not disclose any salient abnormalities.

Initial Laboratory: The patient’s complete blood count and serum chemistries showed largely normal values, with the white blood cell count was normal at 6.7 x 10⁹ /L (normal, 4-10 x 10⁹ /L). His liver function testing and renal function testing parameters were also within normal limits. Echocardiography showed mildly decreased left ventricular systolic function, but this finding was stable. The patient underwent frontal chest radiography (Figure 1A).

Figure 1. A: Frontal chest radiography. B: Frontal chest radiography performed just over 1 year prior to A shows no specific abnormalities.

Which of the following represents an appropriate interpretation of his frontal chest radiograph? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of fourteen pages).

1. Frontal chest radiography shows no specific abnormalities
2. Frontal chest radiograph shows a nodule
3. Frontal chest radiography shows bilateral interstitial thickening
4. Frontal chest radiography shows bilateral pleural effusions
5. Frontal chest radiography shows mediastinal and peribronchial lymph node enlargement

Cite as: Panse PM, Gotway MB. November 2021 Imaging Case of the Month: Let’s Not Dance the Twist. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2021;23(5):115-25. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc053-21 PDF

August 2021 Imaging Case of the Month: Unilateral Peripheral Lung Opacity

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Arizona

5777 East Mayo Boulevard

Phoenix, Arizona 85054

Clinical History: A 56-year-old post-menopausal woman was referred to endocrinology after a routine screening bone densitometry scan suggested osteoporosis. She had undergone this testing after she developed back pain following a pulled muscle for which she saw a chiropractor. The patient had no significant past medical history and she was actively involved in exercise. She denied use of alcohol, drugs, and smoking. She had no allergies and was not taking any medications. Her past surgical history included Lasik surgery, breast augmentation 15 years earlier, and surgery for a deviated septum. 

Physical examination showed a thin patient, afebrile, with a largely normal physical exam, although her pulse was intermittently irregular. Her blood pressure was 130 / 80 mmHg with a normal respiratory rate. Pulse oximetry showed a room air saturation of 98%.

When asked about her irregular pulse, the patient recalled that she had episodes of “heart racing” for which she had undergone evaluation several years earlier by an outside cardiologist. These records were subsequently located and showed supraventricular tachycardia with interventricular conduction delay superimposed on a normal baseline sinus rhythm with occasional premature atrial contractions. The patient indicated that her “heart racing” episodes were often accompanied by nausea, fatigue, and sometimes dizziness, and that they would come and go, starting about 7 years earlier, not necessarily precipitated by exercise. The patient refused further evaluation of this issue and over the next year, continued to intermittently experience these same complaints. When she re-presented to her primary care physician, she had undergone repeat assessment with an outside cardiologist who again performed a 24-hour ambulatory cardiac monitor which disclosed intermittent atrial fibrillation. The patient was tried on flecainide and metoprolol, which she did not tolerate. She expressed interest in an electrophysiology consolation, but did not flow up.

Approximately 2 years later, the patient again presented to her primary care physician after experiencing abrupt onset of cough productive of sputum a small amount of blood associated with a burning sensation in the chest, starting about one month earlier, for which she had been treated by an outside cardiologist with doxycycline for presumed pneumonia. She completed that therapy 8 days prior to re-presentation and indicated her symptoms had improved, but not resolved. She has remained afebrile throughout the entire course of this illness. The patient’s complete blood count and serum chemistries showed entirely normal values. The patient had undergone frontal and lateral chest radiography (Figure 1) at the outside institution at the recommendation of her cardiologist and chiropractor.

Figure 1. Frontal (A) and lateral (B) chest radiography at presentation.

Which of the following represents an appropriate interpretation of her frontal chest radiograph? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to page 2 of 10 pages)

1. Frontal chest radiography shows cardiomegaly and increased pressure pulmonary edema
2. Frontal chest radiograph shows left upper and lower lobe consolidation and a left pleural effusion
3. Frontal chest radiography shows multiple small nodules
4. Frontal chest radiography shows mediastinal lymphadenopathy
5. Frontal chest radiography shows a pneumothorax

Cite as: Gotway MB. August 2021 imaging case of the month: unilateral peripheral lung opacity. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2021;23(2):36-48. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc031-21 PDF

February 2021 Imaging Case of the Month: An Indeterminate Solitary Nodule

Prasad M. Panse MD

Clinton E. Jokerst MD

Michael B. Gotway MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona 85054

Clinical History: A 43 -year-old woman with no past medical history presented to the Emergency Room with complaints of right chest wall pain extending into the right upper quadrant. The patient was a non-smoker, denied any allergies, and was not taking any prescription medications.

Physical examination showed the patient to be afebrile with normal heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure = 110/75 mmHg. Her room air oxygen saturation was 99%.

The patient’s complete blood count and serum chemistries showed normal values. Her liver function testing and renal function testing parameters were also within normal limits.

Which of the following represents an appropriate next step for the patient’s management?

1. Perform abdominal ultrasound
2. Perform chest radiography
3. Perform unenhanced chest CT
4. More than one of the above
5. None of the above

Cite as: Panse PM, Jokerst CE, Gotway MB. February 2021 Imaging Case of the Month: An Indeterminate Solitary Nodule. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2020;21(5):41-55. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc006-21 PDF

November 2020 Imaging Case of the Month: Cause and Effect?

Prasad M. Panse MD 

Clinton E. Jokerst MD 

Michael B. Gotway MD 

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona USA

Clinical History: A 36 -year-old woman with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis diagnosed approximately 1 year earlier, was initially treated with adalimumab, but later switched to prednisone and budesonide when subcutaneous nodules and migraines were attributed to this medication. Subsequently a flare of gastrointestinal symptoms prompted hospitalization with colonoscopy which showed severe pancolitis consistent with ulcerative colitis. One month following hospital discharge, the patient then presented to the Emergency Department with continued complaints of nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, intermittent fever (self-measured to 101º F), joint pain, and a pruritic rash all over her body. These symptoms had occurred following her hospitalization 2 months earlier. She also complained of 25 lbs. weight loss over the previous year.

In addition to prednisone and budesonide, the patient’s medications included hydroxyzine, famotidine, vitamin C, and hydrocodone-acetaminophen. The patient denies allergies and did not smoke nor use drugs.

Physical examination showed the patient to be afebrile with normal heart and respiratory rates and blood pressure = 112/75 mmHg. Her room air oxygen saturation was 99%. Her examination was remarkable for tenderness to palpation over the left > right lower quadrants with rebound tenderness and positive fecal occult blood testing. Her skin examination also showed a diffuse, pinpoint, maculopapular rash affecting her trunk as well as both the upper and lower extremities.

The patient’s complete blood count and serum chemistries showed hypokalemia=3.0 mmol/L (normal, 3.6-5.2 mmol/L), mild anemia (hemoglobin / hematocrit = 11.2 gm/dL / 34.3% [normal, 12.3-15.7 gm/dL / 37-46%]), and a minimally elevated lipase of 63 U/L (normal, 13-60 U/L). Liver and renal function testing were within normal limits.

Which of the following represents an appropriate next step for the patient’s management?

1. Obtain gastrointestinal consult
2. Obtain a travel history
3. Obtain abdominal CT
4. All of the above
5. None of the above

Cite as: Panse PM, Jokerst CE, Gotway MB. November 2020 Imaging Case of the Month: Cause and Effect? Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2020;21(5):108-120. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc058-20 PDF

August 2020 Imaging Case of the Month: Piecing Together a Cause for Multisystem Abnormalities

Prasad M. Panse MD

Clinton E. Jokerst MD

Michael B. Gotway MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ USA

Clinical History: A 65-year-old woman with chronic hoarseness and dyspnea now presents with complaints of diarrhea and bloating. The patient indicated her dyspnea had developed over the previous year, now occurring after one flight of stairs. The patient also complains of some substernal burning after waling 2-3 blocks. Her past medical history was largely unremarkable, and her past surgical history included only a cesarean section and carpal tunnel surgery. She has no allergies and her medications included thyroxine, fluoxetine, and a steroid inhaler. She was a previous smoker for 8 years, quitting 30 years ago. Upon directed questioning, the patient also complains of generalized weakness and 13-14 lbs. weight loss in the previous year.

Physical examination showed normal vital signs and was remarkable only for atrophy of the patient’s right calf muscles, which the patient claimed she knew about and had occurred over the previous year and a half. The neurologic examination was entirely normal. The examining physician noted that the patient’s tongue appeared somewhat enlarged and reddened, but was not coated and midline upon protrusion.

The patient’s complete blood count and serum chemistries showed all values within the normal range except for a serum albumin level of 2.9 gm/dL (normal, 3.5-5 gm/dL). Her erythrocyte sedimentation rate was mildly elevated at 55 mm/h (normal, 0-29 mm/hr). The patient was referred for chest radiography (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Frontal (A) and lateral (B) chest radiography.

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of nine pages)

1. The chest radiograph shows mediastinal and peribronchial lymph node enlargement
2. The chest radiograph shows multifocal basal consolidation
3. The chest radiograph shows normal findings
4. The chest radiograph shows numerous small nodules
5. The chest radiograph shows small bilateral pleural effusions

Cite as: Panse PM, Jokerst CE, Gotway MB. August 2020 imaging case of the month: piecing together a cause for multisystem abnormalities. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2020;21(2):23-34. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc045-20 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Diaphragmatic Eventration

Figure 1. An upright PA chest radiograph demonstrates marked elevation of the left hemidiaphragm with associated superior migration of the gas-filled colon and mild mediastinal shift towards the right.

Figure 2. A: frontal. B: sagittal. A non-contrasted reconstruction of the chest demonstrates marked elevation of the left hemidiaphragm with associated superior migration of the abdominal viscera along with preservation of the integrity of the hemidiaphragm. These findings are consistent with a left hemidiaphragm eventration.

Clinical Presentation: A 66-year-old woman presented with a three-year history of progressive postprandial dyspnea and left-sided abdominal pain.  Physical exam revealed normal vital signs and bowels sounds over left lung fields on auscultation. Laboratory work revealed a mild normocytic anemia.  Imaging demonstrated marked left hemidiaphragm elevation with ipsilateral lung parenchyma volume loss and atelectasis along with a mild contralateral mediastinal shift.  A sniff test was consistent with left hemidiaphragm paralysis.

The patient underwent a left video-assisted thoracoscopy, and the left hemidiaphragm was noted to be so thin that the abdominal organs could be visualize through it. The central tendon of the left hemidiaphragm was extremely attenuated and larger than normal. The left hemidiaphragm muscle fibers were noted to be situated around the periphery and not providing any significant tension. The redundant left hemidiaphragm central tendon was excised, and the patient was discharged without symptoms one week later.

Discussion: Eventration of a hemidiaphragm is a rare condition where there is non-paralytic weakening and thinning of a hemidiaphragm resulting in elevation of the hemidiaphragm with retained attachments to the costal margins (1). An eventration usually results from a congenital failure of the fetal diaphragm to muscularized. It is usually unilateral, occurs more on the right than the left, affects the anteromedial portion of the hemidiaphragm, occurs more often in women, and is found after the age of 60 in the adult population. A total eventration of a hemidiaphragm may be indistinguishable from diaphragmatic paralysis and result in a false-positive sniff test – as in this case. When symptomatic, it can pose a diagnostic challenge as it may be confused with a traumatic diaphragmatic rupture in the right clinical setting. Asymptomatic adults do not require treatment.

Leslie Littlefield MD and Mohamed Fayed MD

Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care

University of California San Francisco Fresno

Fresno, CA USA

Reference

1. Black MC, Joubert K, Seese L, et al. Innovative and Contemporary Interventions of Diaphragmatic Disorders. J Thorac Imaging. 2019;34(4):236-247. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Littlefield L, Fayed M. Medical image of the month: diaphragmatic eventration. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2020;21(1):9-10. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc036-20 PDF 

February 2020 Imaging Case of the Month: An Emerging Cause for Infiltrative Lung Abnormalities

Prasad M. Panse MD*, Fiona F. Feller MD^†, Yasmeen M. Butt MD^‡, Michael B. Gotway MD*

Departments of *Radiology, ^†Medicine, and ^‡Laboratory Medicine

Mayo Clinic, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Clinical History: A 25-year-old man with no previous medical history presented to the Emergency Room with complaints of worsening non-productive cough and fever to 102°F over the previous 7 days. The patient also complained of some nausea, vomiting, and generalized muscle aches. The patient denies rhinorrhea, sore throat, congestion, and diarrhea. The patient also illicit drug use, and drinks alcohol only occasionally. He said he previously smoked 1-2 packs-per day, having quit 6 months earlier.

The patient’s physical examination showed normal vital signs, although his respiration rate was approximately 18/minute. The physical examination showed some mild basilar crackles bilaterally, but was otherwise entirely within normal limits.

Basic laboratory data showed a white blood cell count near the upper of normal= 10.3 x 10⁹ / L (normal, 4–10.8 x 10⁹/L) with a normal platelet count and no evidence of anemia, normal serum chemistries and renal function parameters, and normal liver function tests. The patient was referred for chest radiography (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Frontal (A) and lateral (B) chest radiography at presentation.

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of fourteen pages)

1. The chest radiograph shows bilateral consolidation
2. The chest radiograph shows findings suggesting increased pressure pulmonary edema
3. The chest radiograph shows mediastinal and peribronchial lymph node enlargement
4. The chest radiograph shows mild perihilar infiltration
5. The chest radiograph shows normal findings

Cite as: Panse PM, Feller FF, Butt YM, Gotway MB. February 2020 imaging case of the month: an emerging cause for infiltrative lung abnormalities. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2020;20(2):43-58. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc004-20 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Pneumoperitoneum with Rigler’s Sign

Figure 1. CT of the abdomen with contrast showing a large quantity of free air within the peritoneal cavity. The etiology of her free intraperitoneal air was not evident on this imaging study.

Figure 2. An upright chest radiograph performed six months later again demonstrates a large amount of free air under the hemidiaphragms, outlining both the spleen and the superior surface of the liver. Rigler’s sign (air on both the peritoneal and luminal side of bowel wall (arrows) - which clearly delineates the bowel wall) is in noted and supports the diagnosis of free intraperitoneal air.

Clinical Presentation: A 70-year-old Asian-American woman presented to the hospital with a distended and tympanic abdomen. She was otherwise asymptomatic. Her past medical history was significant only for an uncomplicated colonoscopy the previous summer. A CT scan showed free air within the peritoneal cavity (Figure 1). She was managed conservatively without a surgical intervention. After six months without a chest x-ray continued to show free air (Figure 2). She underwent an elective exploratory laparotomy without identification of a cause for her free intraperitoneal air. Her pneumoperitoneum completely resolved on follow up imaging.

Discussion: Pneumoperitoneum is a condition which commonly presents as an acute abdomen (1). Causes are numerous and include penetrating and blunt abdominal trauma, perforation of viscus, diaphragmatic rupture, fistula formation – among other etiologies. Work-up of pneumoperitoneum varies depending on the suspected etiology. In the presence of hemodynamic instability or peritoneal signs, the patient should proceed to an exploratory laparotomy immediately following airway maintenance and resuscitation. In the setting of a perforation or sepsis, broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics are indicated. Stable patients are managed expectantly with NPO status, intravenous fluids resuscitation, serial vitals/abdominal imaging/labs, and nasogastric tube decompression if indicated for obstructive etiologies.

Rigler’s sign is well-demonstrated in the abdominal radiograph (figure 2). Rigler’s sign is the presence of air on both the luminal and peritoneal side of the bowel wall – which clearly delineates the bowel wall (1). This sign is highly suggestive of free intraperitoneal air. Rigler’s sign can be seen on a supine abdominal radiograph and can be helpful in the identification of free intraperitoneal air in a patient who may be too ill for upright radiographs or CT imaging.

Mohammad A. Mahmoud MD DO, Jonathon P. Mahn DO, and Alexander E. Brahmsteadt, MSIV.

Midwestern University | Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Canyon Vista Medical Center

Sierra Vista, AZ USA

Reference

1. Levine MS, Scheiner JD, Rubesin SE, Laufer I, Herlinger H. Diagnosis of pneumoperitoneum on supine abdominal radiographs. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1991 Apr;156(4):731-5.

Cite as: Mahmoud MA, Mahn JP, Brahmsteadt AE. Medical image of the month: pneumoperitoneum with Rigler's sign. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(6):156-7. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc047-19 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Hampton Hump and Palla Sign

Figure 1. A chest radiograph demonstrates a wedge-shaped opacity in the right lung base (red circle) and enlargement of the right descending pulmonary artery branch (blue arrow) consistent with a Hampton hump and Palla sign, respectively.

Figure 2. A computed tomography angiogram (CTA) of the chest in a lung window demonstrates a wedge-shaped opacity in the right middle lobe consistent with a Hampton hump (red circle).

Figure 3. A CTA of the chest demonstrates an embolus in the right main pulmonary artery which appears slightly dilated (red circle).

Figure 4. A CTA of the chest demonstrates extension of the pulmonary embolus into the right lower lobe pulmonary arterial branch (blue circle) along with a right middle lobe pulmonary infarction (red circle) which is better demonstrated in Figure 2.

A 51-year-old lady presented to emergency room with acute, severe, right-sided pleuritic chest pain, mild cough and dyspnea at rest. She underwent a lumbar spine laminotomy and foraminotomy twelve days prior to her presentation with limited mobility after her operation. On examination, she was tachypneic and tachycardic. Her blood pressure and oxygen saturations on room air were normal. Chest auscultation revealed a few crackles in the right lung base. There was no pedal edema or calf tenderness.

A chest radiograph demonstrated a right lower lobe wedge-shaped opacity along with right hilar prominence (Figure 1). She was initially diagnosed with a right lower lobe pneumonia and was admitted to step-down unit for further management. However, her history, clinical examination, and chest radiograph findings suggested the high likelihood a pulmonary embolism. A computed tomography angiogram (CTA) of the chest confirmed the diagnosis of a pulmonary embolism (Figures 2-4).

Based her clinical presentation and radiology results, the patient was diagnosed with a sub-massive pulmonary embolism (PE). She was treated with an intravenous heparin drip. She was hemodynamically stable throughout the hospital admission. Her echocardiogram showed no evidence of right ventricular strain. Eventually, she was transitioned to oral anticoagulation and was discharged home in good condition.

Discussion

The wedge-shaped right lower lobe opacity and right hilar prominence correspond to a Hampton hump and Palla sign, respectively. A Hampton hump represents a pulmonary infarction secondary to PE, and it was named by the radiologist Aubrey Hampton in 1940 (1). The Palla sign is an enlarged right descending pulmonary artery, an observation made in 1983 by a radiologist, Antonio Palla (2). Both signs can be seen on chest radiography and may aid in the diagnosis of a PE.

Although these radiologic findings of PE are rare, practicing physicians should be aware of these findings as they can be extremely helpful and expediate the diagnosis of a PE. On the other hand, misinterpretation of these findings can lead to a delay in the diagnosis of other significant chest pathologies.

Abdulmonam Ali MD and Naga S Sirikonda MD

SSM Health

Mount Vernon, IL USA

References

1. Hampton AO, Castleman B. Correlation of postmortem chest teleroentgenograms with autopsy findings with special reference to pulmonary embolism and infarction. Am J Roentgenol. 1940;43:305–26.
2. Palla A, Donnamaria V, Petruzzelli S, Rossi G, Riccetti G, Giuntini C. Enlargement of the right descending pulmonary artery in pulmonary embolism. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1983;141:513-7. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Ali A, Sirikonda NS. Medical image of the month: Hampton hump and Palla sign. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(5):144-5. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc041-19 PDF

November 2019 Imaging Case of the Month: A 56-Year-Old Woman with a Rash

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ USA

Clinical History: A 56-year-old post-menopausal woman with a remote history of asthma and asymptomatic uterine fibroids presented with a macular-papular rash over the upper chest, upper medial left forearm, and medial legs, without scaling that has intermittently recurred over the previous few years. The rash is unaccompanied by fever, chills, rigors, abdominal pain, cough, conjunctivitis, urethritis, or any other mucocutaneous lesions. The patient did not note any seasonal relationships or association with food, and the rash regresses promptly with H₁ or H₂-blocker therapy.

The patient’s past medical history was otherwise unremarkable. Her surgical history was positive only for a laparoscopic left inguinal hernia repair 7 years earlier. The patient indicated she was neither a smoker nor a drinker. Her medications included an as-needed albuterol inhaler, a steroid inhaler, a nasal steroid spray, a multivitamin, and a topical steroid.

The patient’s physical examination showed normal vital signs, although her pulse rate was 95 beats / minute. The physical examination was otherwise entirely within normal limits aside from her presenting complaint of rash; in particular, her lungs were clear to auscultation. 

About 2 weeks later, the patient began to complain of myalgias and some wheezing in addition to her rash, with some mild fatigue as well. She denied other complaints, such as coryza, cough, nasal drainage, ear pain, and neck pain or stiffness. At repeat physical examination, her lungs remained clear to auscultation; no wheezing was noted. A dermatology consult suggested that the rash was most consistent with atopic dermatitis, for which a topical steroid was prescribed.

Basic laboratory data showed a white blood cell count in the normal range, mild anemia (hemoglobin / hematocrit = 11.5 mg/dL / 34.7%), a normal platelet count, normal serum chemistries and renal function parameters, and normal liver function tests aside from a mildly elevated alkaline phosphatase level of 145  U/L147 (normal, 35 – 104 U/L). A C-reactive protein level was elevated at 38.5 mg/L (normal, ≤8 mg/L). The patient was referred for chest radiography (Figure 1).

Figure 1.  Frontal chest radiograph.

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of twelve pages)

1. The chest radiograph shows mediastinal and peribronchial lymph node enlargement
2. The chest radiograph shows bilateral consolidation
3. The chest radiograph shows cavitary lung disease
4. The chest radiograph shows findings suggesting increased pressure pulmonary edema
5. The chest radiograph shows numerous small nodules

Cite as: Gotway MB. November 2019 imaging case of the month: a 56-year-old woman with a rash. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(5):127-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc065-19 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Giant Bulla

Figure 1. A chest radiograph demonstrates marked oligemia of the left lung with displacement of the cardiomediastinal silhouette to the right. Subtle, linear lung parenchymal markings are noted in the base of the left lung hinting at extensive bullous disease and not a pneumothorax (red arrows).

Figure 2. A CT of the chest with contrast in lung windows demonstrates a giant bulla centered in the left upper lobe. Adjacent bullous disease is also present.

Clinical Background: A 49-year-old gentleman with an extensive smoking history who was transferred from an outside hospital for higher level of care for management of his acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. His outside chest radiograph (Figure 1) demonstrated marked oligemia of the left lung with displacement of the cardiomediastinal silhouette to the right. Subtle linear parenchymal markings are noted in the lower lobe suggesting bullous disease. There is extensive airspace disease of the right lung. A CT of the chest (Figure 2) demonstrated extensive bullous disease with a giant bulla noted in the left upper lobe. The patient was transferred to the MICU for further management of his hypoxemic respiratory failure. A CT surgery consult was obtained, and he was deemed not to be a surgical candidate given his tenuous clinical status.

Discussion: A bulla is defined as an air-containing space measuring greater than 1 cm in diameter and surrounded by a thin wall which is less than 1 mm thick. Bulla are usually located in a subpleural location and can be seen with emphysema - both paraseptal and centrilobular types. A giant bulla is defined as a bulla occupying at least 30% of a hemithorax. In this case, the patient had a giant bulla centered in the left upper lobe.

Giant bullae typically develop because of long-term cigarette smoking, which is the most likely cause in this case. Bullous lung disease has also been associated with HIV infection and intravenous use of methadone, methylphenidate, or talc-containing drugs.

In asymptomatic patients, smoking cessation is recommended to prevent further progression. In dyspneic patients with COPD, medical therapy with bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and pulmonary rehab are recommended. In patients who have dyspnea despite medical optimization or who have issues with a spontaneous, secondary pneumothorax, a bullectomy may be beneficial. Contraindications to a bullectomy include ongoing cigarette smoking, significant comorbid disease, poorly-defined bullae on chest imaging, pulmonary hypertension, and other comorbid conditions that make surgery high risk.

Leslie Littlefield MD and Mohammed Fayed MD

UCSF Fresno

Fresno, CA USA

References

1. Rosado-de-Christenson M, Abbott GF. Diagnostic Chest Imaging. 2^nd edition. Canada: Amirsys; 2012; Section 1, p 15.
2. Diaz PT, Clanton TL, Pacht ER. Emphysema-like pulmonary disease associated with human immunodeficiency virus infection. Ann Intern Med. 1992 Jan 15;116(2):124-8. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Palla A, Desideri M, Rossi G, Bardi G, Mazzantini D, Mussi A, Giuntini C. Elective surgery for giant bullous emphysema: a 5-year clinical and functional follow-up. Chest. 2005 Oct;128(4):2043-50. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Littlefield L, Fayed M. Medical image of the month: giant bulla. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(4):125-6. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc040-19 PDF

Medical Image of the Month: Air Bronchogram Sign

Figure 1. Chest radiograph showing bilateral dense airspace disease with air bronchograms. Veno-venous ECMO catheter is visible tracking from the right internal jugular vein to the inferior vena cava.

Figure 2. Chest radiograph on day 5 of ECMO after 4 days of induction chemotherapy demonstrating marked improvement of his airspace disease.

An 18-year-old man without any known past medical history presented with a one-day history of progressive shortness of breath. He reported a sudden onset of symptoms the morning of presentation, and an accompanying sensation of confusion with difficulty concentrating. Initial laboratory evaluation was significant for leukocytosis over 60 K/mm³. Due to his increased work of breathing and worsening lethargy, the patient was intubated and sedated for airway protection and ventilatory support. The patient was admitted to the ICU, and his initial chest radiograph was concerning for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Subsequent hematologic analyses from his admission CBC were consistent with a new diagnosis of acute myelogenous leukemia.

Despite aggressive alveolar recruitment maneuvers and maximum ventilator support, the patient’s oxygen saturation remained poor and his respiratory reserve continued to decline. The decision was made to place the patient on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) prior to initiating therapy with doxorubicin and cytarabine (7+3 induction protocol). A dual-lumen ECMO catheter was placed in the right internal jugular vein. His initial chest radiograph demonstrated complete bilateral air bronchograms (Figure 1). The patient was started on chemotherapy while on ECMO and was successfully decannulated after five days on the circuit. His chest radiograph on day 5 of ECMO was significant for marked improvement in bilateral airspace disease (Figure 2).

In patients with hematologic malignancy, an inflammatory response can be generated by either the malignant cells themselves, or more commonly as a reaction to subsequent infection. This inflammation often results in protein-rich fluid infiltrating the alveoli. When this process becomes severe enough to cause hypoxic respiratory failure, it can progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (1). The chest radiograph demonstrates dense airspace disease which developed in this patient. The fluid-filled alveoli in this extreme example of ARDS created a volume of uniform opacities throughout his lung parenchyma which make the conducting airways stand out clearly (2). Segmental air bronchograms can be seen in localized airspace disease, such as atelectasis or pneumonia, but a full-pulmonary air bronchogram of this clarity can only be seen on a patient undergoing ECMO as there are effectively no functional alveoli to participate in gas exchange.

Eric Brucks, MD and Richard Young, MD

Department of Internal Medicine

Banner University Medical Center

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ USA

References

1. Papazian L, Calfee CS, Chiumello D, Luyt CE, Meyer NJ, Sekiguchi H, Matthay MA, Meduri GU. Diagnostic workup for ARDS patients. Intensive Care Med. 2016 May;42(5):674-85. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Natt B, Raz Y. Air Bronchogram. N Engl J Med. 2015 Dec 31;373(27):2663. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Brucks E, Young R. Medical image of the month: air bronchogram sign. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(4):119-20. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc036-19 PDF 

August 2019 Imaging Case of the Month: A 51-Year-Old Man with a Headache

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ USA

Clinical History: A 51-year-old previously healthy man presented with complaints of increasing headache frequency and severity. The patient noted headaches in the past, but that the frequency of these headaches, which he referred to as “migraines,” had been increasing in recent months. The patient does note some auras with the headaches.

The patient reported a history of pneumonia in the past, but denied recurrent pneumonias. The only medication the patient takes was ibuprofen, for his headaches; he denied allergies. The patient’s past surgical history was remarkable only for a right inguinal hernia repair, a right Achilles tendon injury repair, and surgical removal of a palpable left thigh mass, ultimately shown to represent scar tissue. The patient smoked 1-8 cigarettes / day for 35 years, quitting one year earlier.

The patient’s physical examination was remarkable for obesity (BMI= 30.4). His vital signs were within the normal range. A few reddish rounded spots were noted on his lower lip, but no other abnormalities were noted at physical examination.

Basic laboratory data, including a complete blood count, electrolyte panel, B12 and folate levels, a C-reactive protein level, and liver function studies were all within the normal range. Mild hypercholesterolemia was noted. An electrocardiogram revealed normal findings. As part of a routine office visit, frontal and lateral chest radiography (Figure 1) was performed.  

Figure 1. Frontal and lateral chest radiography

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the second of ten pages)

1. The chest radiograph shows circumscribed nodular opacities
2. The chest radiograph shows multifocal nodular pulmonary consolidation
3. The chest radiograph shows multiple, bilateral cavitary nodules
4. The chest radiograph shows multiple, bilateral small circumscribed nodules
5. The chest radiograph shows nodular interstitial thickening

Cite as: Gotway MB. August 2019 imaging case of the month: a 52-year-old man with a headache. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(2):52-64. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc052-19 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema

 

Figure 1. Large right hydrothorax with mild mediastinal shift to the left.

Figure 2. Status post right pleural pigtail drain placement with interval improvement of the now small right pleural effusion with re-expansion of the right lung and early edema.

Figure 3. Moderate right pleural effusion and worsening reexpansion pulmonary edema.

A 54-year-old woman with decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented to the emergency department with exertional dyspnea. She was afebrile, tachycardic (110), with oxygen saturation of 74% on 5 liters/minute (L/min), in moderate respiratory distress and was subsequently placed on a non-rebreather. On examination, she had absent breath sounds throughout her right lung with chest radiograph revealing large right-sided pleural effusion (Figure 1). A pigtail catheter was placed, draining approximately 4 liters of fluid (Figure 2), resulting in improved oxygenation to 93% on 3 L/min. On admission to internal medicine, the chest tube was clamped immediately. In the next 24 hours, patient developed increased oxygen requirements, with worsening tachypnea and tachycardia, requiring bilevel positive airway pressure and admission to the medical intensive care unit for reexpansion pulmonary edema (Figure 3).

Hepatic hydrothorax is a complication of cirrhosis and portal hypertension, defined as pleural effusion without any underlying pulmonary or cardiac etiologies. Though the pathophysiology is not completely understood, it is widely believed that the pleural effusion is caused by negative intrathoracic pressures allowing peritoneal fluid to enter the pleural cavity through diaphragmatic defects. Management of hepatic hydrothorax includes sodium restriction, diuresis, therapeutic thoracentesis, and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Repeated thoracentesis is the routine procedure to remove pleural fluid in refractory hepatic hydrothorax (1).

Though relatively safe, thoracentesis is associated with reexpansion pulmonary edema (RPE). RPE is believed to occur due to increased permeability of the pulmonary capillaries as a result of inflammation caused by ventilation and reperfusion of previously collapsed lung. Symptoms of RPE include chest discomfort and cough with onset typically within 24 hours of lung reexpansion. Signs of RPE include tachypnea, tachycardia, lung crackles, and hypoxemia refractory to oxygen therapy. Risk factors are young age (20-40 years), long duration of lung collapse, use of negative pressure during thoracentesis, large volume drainage, and rapid lung reexpansion. Management is largely supportive and ranges from diuresis to endotracheal intubation with mechanical ventilation (2).

Unfortunately, the amount of fluid that can be safely removed from the pleural effusion in order to prevent RPE has not been clearly defined. Feller-Kopman (3) reported that only one patient (0.5%) of 185 participants experienced clinical RPE, while four patients (2.2%) had radiographic RPE without symptoms. Our case demonstrates that removal of large volume from the pleural effusion via the chest tube resulted in clinical and radiographic RPE, thus, necessitating the need for clearly defined guidelines.

Chelsea Takamatsu BS, Aida Siyahian MS, Ella Starobinska MD, and Anthony Witten DO

University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson

Tucson, AZ USA

References

1. Garbuzenko DV, Arefyev NO. Hepatic hydrothorax: An update and review of the literature. World J Hepatol. 2017 Nov 8;9(31):1197-1204. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Kasmani R, Irani F, Okoli K, Mahajan V. Re-expansion pulmonary edema following thoracentesis. CMAJ. 2010 Dec 14;182(18):2000-2. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Feller-Kopman D, Berkowitz D, Boiselle P, Ernst A. Large-volume thoracentesis and the risk of reexpansion pulmonary edema. Ann Thorac Surg. 2007 Nov;84(5):1656-61. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Takamatsu C, Siyahian A, Starobinska E, Witten A. Medical image of the month: reexpansion pulmonary edema. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(1):12-4. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc024-19 PDF

Medical Image of the Month: Bilateral Atrial Enlargement

Figure 1. Portable chest radiograph showing elevation of the left mainstem bronchus (red arrow).

Figure 2. Thoracic CT scan showing right atrial enlargement (blue circle) and left atrium (red circle).

Figure 3. Upper Image: Static image from echocardiogram showing right atrial enlargement (white circle). Lower image: video of echocardiogram.

A 97-year-old woman was repeatedly admitted for dyspnea, hypoxemia and treated with antibiotics for presumed left lower lobe pneumonia. She has a past medical history of atrial fibrillation, congestive heart failure and sick sinus syndrome with placement of a cardiac pacemaker. Notably on physical examination, she had heart rate of 110 beats/minute, temperature of 98.8°F, blood pressure of 122/72 mm Hg, and a respiratory rate of 27 breaths/minute. She had a sternal heave, a grade 4/6 "blowing" holosystolic murmur, a loud S2, jugular venous distension and an enlarged liver. Chest x-ray showed obscuration of the left lower lobe - the left heart border cannot be seen, and the L mainstem bronchus is straightened and lifted superiorly (Figure 1). An image of the heart is shown from a CT abdomen obtained 6 months previously, showing cardiomegaly, particularly massive atrial enlargement (Figure 2). An ultrasound showed bilateral atrial enlargement with moderate mitral regurgitation and severe tricuspid regurgitation (Figure 3). The left ventricular ejection fraction was 55%, but with abnormal septal motion. She was treated with gentle diuresis to help relieve volume overload, and isosorbide dinitrate for preload and afterload reduction. Pulmonary hypertension was attributed to chronic mitral regurgitation. The cause was unclear - the patient remembered that her brother had rheumatic fever as a young recruit in WWII, but didn't know whether she had ever experienced it.

Atrial enlargement can be of prognostic significance. Left atrium size has been found to be a predictor of mortality due to both cardiovascular issues as well as all-cause mortality (1). Larger right atrium than left atrium has been associated with all-cause mortality in elderly patients with heart failure (2).

Robert A. Raschke, MD

University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ USA

References

1. Patel DA, Lavie CJ, Milani RV, Shah S, Gilliland Y. Clinical implications of left atrial enlargement: a review. Ochsner J. 2009 Winter;9(4):191-6. [PubMed]
2. Almodares Q, Wallentin Guron C, Thurin A, Fu M, Kontogeorgos S, Thunstrom E, Johansson MC. Larger right atrium than left atrium is associated with all-cause mortality in elderly patients with heart failure. Echocardiography. 2017 May;34(5):662-7. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Raschke RA. Medical image of the month: bilateral atrial enlargement. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;19(1):10-1. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc023-19 PDF

Medical Image of the Month: Thymolipoma

Figure 1. Chest radiograph PA view revealing subtle prominence of left upper heart border (white arrow).

Figure 2. CT Topogram: The prominence of left heart border is discretely seen suggesting pliability of the lesion (due to supine position).

Figure 3. CECT axial and coronal images revealing a fat containing anterior mediastinal mass with strands of soft tissues (HU values as depicted in image).

Figure 4. CECT of the thorax one year after resection: post contrast image revealing no mediastinal mass lesion.

A 20-year-old man presented with a continuous, mild, dull aching pain affecting the left chest pain for 15 days duration. There were no aggravating or relieving factors nor any history of fever, respiratory or cardiac symptoms. The patient’s vital signs were normal and examination of the respiratory and the cardiovascular systems revealed no abnormality. Electrocardiography and biochemical investigations, including cardiac enzymes, were normal. Chest radiography (Figure 1) revealed a subtle opacity causing fullness of the aorto-pulmonary window with subtle, smooth prominence of the left upper cardiac border; the left hilum was visualised discretely through the opacity (Figure 2). The patient underwent enhanced contrast chest CT (CECT, Figure 3) for further evaluation, revealing a large mass measuring 13 x 7.9 x 5 cm in the anterior mediastinum, extending from thoracic inlet to the left cardiophrenic angle. The mass consisted predominantly of fat density, with an average attenuation of - 84 Hounsfield units (HU). Non-enhancing strands of soft tissue foci (mean, 32 HU) were also seen within the lesion. No areas of calcification or cystic degeneration were present. Planes between the subjacent mediastinal structures were preserved (Figures 2 and 3). A radiological impression of thymolipoma was offered. The patient was transferred to a tertiary care center where he underwent thoracoscopic excision and histopathology confirmed thymolipoma. Following surgery, the patient recovered uneventfully and follow up chest radiography and enhanced contrast chest CT (Figure 4) showed no evidence of lesion recurrence.

Thymolipoma is a rare benign tumor originating in the anterior mediastinum, and comprises 2-9% of all thymic neoplasms (1). Cytogenetic analyses have demonstrated that thymolipoma is a neoplasm of thymic fat (2). There is no sex or age predilection and affected patients range in age from 3-76 years. Most patients remain asymptomatic until the size of the lesion produced local mass effects, resulting in symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, hemoptysis, chest pain and hoarseness (1,3). Autoimmune diseases, including myasthenia gravis, systemic lupus erythematosus, hypogammaglobulinemia, Graves’ disease, and erythroblastopenia, may coexist in 10% patients (1).

When thymolipomas are small, the lesion may not be detectable at chest radiography. When the lesion grows larger, it classically usually “drapes” around the heart and may simulate cardiomegaly (4). Extremely large thymolipomas have been described and can mimic pericardial effusion, pericardial cysts or pericardial tumors (5). Ultrasound can be used to differentiate fluid-containing lesions, such as pericardial effusion and cysts, from the echogenic fat typical of thymolipoma (4). Excessive epicardial fat, diaphragmatic elevation, sequestration or lobar collapse may also mimic this condition at chest radiography, whereas CT and/or MRI are diagnostic, revealing circumscribed anterior mediastinal fatty mass containing islands and strands of soft tissues with no invasion of adjacent structures (3-5).

Important differential diagnostic considerations for thymolipoma at cross sectional imaging include other fat-containing mediastinal masses such as mediastinal lipoma, mediastinal lipomatosis, liposarcoma and lipoblastoma. Lipomas are encapsulated whereas liopmatosis is an unencapsulated deposition of adipose tissues, and both lesions typically show homogeneous fat attenuation with no soft tissue strands. Liposarcoma frequently occurs in the posterior mediastinum and is usually symptomatic at the time of presentation, and often manifests with inhomogeneous appearance and invasion of subjacent mediastinal structures on CT/ or MRI (6). Lipoblastoma usually occurs under the age of 3, and shows intratumoral soft tissue stranding. Thymomas do not contain fatty tissue whereas some germ cell neoplasms contain cystic areas and calcification in addition to the fatty tissue (3,6). CT is considered the modality of choice for the evaluation of mediastinal masses in general, and thymolipoma in particular. For patients in whom CT findings are equivocal, or for patients with contraindications to enhanced CT (such as contrast media allergy) MRI may be utilized for further characterization of mediastinal lesions, such as thymolipoma. Encasement or invasion of the mediastinal vasculature, esophagus, and trachea as well as involvement of the pericardium, myocardium, and pleura are accurately detected with MRI. The primary disadvantages of using MRI for mediastinal lesion characterization include limited identification of calcifications, longer imaging time, and higher cost (3,6). Since thymolipomas are benign, and typically well encapsulated, with no invasion of surrounding structures, if detected incidentally, the lesion can be followed with imaging. However, when symptoms related to local mass effect develop, surgical resection is the treatment of choice which can be performed using a minimally invasive approach, such as thoracoscopic excision, with open resection reserved for larger lesions (7). Histopathological examination of thymolipoma reveals mature adipose tissue and hyperplastic thymic structures with Hassall’s corpuscles (2).

Amit Kumar Paliwal MD¹, Dr. Pradeep Jaiswal MCH (CTVS) AH

(R&R)², and Dr. Vivek Sharma MD³

¹Military Hospital Dehradun, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India      

²Delhi Cantt, Delhi, India

³Command Hospital (CC), Lucknow, India

References

1. Dongel I, Imamoglu H, Şahin AF, Yıldırım S, Bayram M. A rare mediastinal tumor: thymolipoma. Eur J Gen Med. 2014;11:21-3. [CrossRef]
2. Hudacko R, Aviv H, Langenfeld J, Fyfe B. Thymolipoma: Clues to pathogenesis revealed by cytogenetics. Ann Diagn Pathol. 2009;13:185-8.[CrossRef] [PubMed]
3. Tomiyama N, Honda O, Tsubamoto M et al. Anterior mediastinal tumors: diagnostic accuracy of CT and MRI. Eur J Radiol. 2009;69(2):280-8. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
4. Yeh HC, Gordon A, Kirschner PA, Cohen BA. Computed tomography and sonography of thymolipoma. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1983;140(6):1131-3. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
5. Gamanagatti S, Sharma R, Hatimota P, Guleria R, Arvind S. Giant thymolipoma. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2005;185(1):283-4. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
6. Juanpere S, Canete N, Ortuno P, Martínez S, Sanchez, G, Bernado L. A diagnostic approach to the mediastinal masses. Insights Imaging. 2013;4(1):29-52. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
7. Carapinha CP, Wainwright L, Loveland JA. A giant thymolipoma. S Afr J Child Health. 2010;4(1):20-1.

Cite as: Paliwal AK, Jaiswal P, Sharma V. Medical image of the month: thymolipoma. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;18(6):152-4. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc018-19 PDF

Medical Image of the Month: Double Aortic Arch

Figure 1. A chest radiograph performed after endotracheal intubation of the patient demonstrated prominence of the upper mediastinum in the region of the right paratracheal strip (red arrow).

Figure 2. A non-contrasted CT of the chest demonstrates a complete vascular ring secondary to the patient’s double aortic arch (outlined in red) surrounding the trachea (T) and esophagus (E).

Case Presentation: A 78-year-old gentleman presented to the hospital via EMS with altered mental status. An urgent CT of the head performed in the emergency room demonstrated a large, right intraparenchymal hemorrhage with intraventricular extension into the right lateral ventricle. His Glascow Coma Scale score was 6, and he was intubated for airway protection.  A chest radiograph performed to verify placement of the endotracheal tube demonstrated prominence of the upper mediastinum in the region of the right paratracheal strip (Figure 1). A CT of the chest (Figure 2) demonstrated a double aortic arch corresponding to the upper mediastinal abnormality noted on the chest radiograph. In speaking with the patient’s family after acquiring the CT of the chest, they stated that the patient had long-term issues with dysphagia – specifically choking with solid foods. Unfortunately, the patient passed away from complications of his large intraparenchymal hemorrhage.

A double aortic arch results from persistence of both the right and left embryonic arches with each arch giving rise to the ipsilateral, separate carotid and subclavian arteries (1). A double aortic arch is the most common cause of a symptomatic vascular ring with the trachea and esophagus being compressed by the two arches (1). Symptoms usually arise in childhood with good outcomes with surgical repair of this abnormality in pediatric populations. A few case series exist describing repair of this anomaly in adult populations (2).

Kelly Wickstrom DO, Steven P. Sears DO, and Laura Meinke MD

Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine

University of Arizona College of Medicine

Tucson, AZ USA

References

1. Hanneman K, Newman B, Chan F. Congenital variants and anomalies of the aortic arch. Radiographics. 2017 Jan-Feb;37(1):32-51. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
2. Noguchi K, Hori D, Nomura Y, Tanaka H. Double aortic arch in an adult. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2012 Jun;14(6):900-2. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Wickstrom K, Sears SP, Meinke L. Medical image of the month: Double aortic arch. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;18(5):120-1. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc019-19 PDF 

May 2019 Imaging Case of the Month: Asymptomatic Pulmonary Nodules and Cysts in a 47-Year-Old Woman

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ USA

Clinical History: A 47-year-old previously healthy woman presented to her new physician for a routine physical examination. The patient had no complaints. The patient’s physical examination showed normal vital signs and clear lungs; the physical examination was essentially unremarkable. The patient’s past medical history included a brief smoking history, having quit over 20 years earlier, as well as seasonal allergies. Her past surgical history included an appendectomy nearly 20 years earlier and a hysterectomy for bleeding related to uterine leiomyomas approximately 12 years prior to presentation. The patient was not taking any prescription medications.

Basic laboratory data, including a complete blood count, electrolyte panel, and liver function studies were all within the normal range. An electrocardiogram revealed normal findings. Frontal and lateral chest radiography (Figure 1) was performed.

Figure 1. Frontal (A) and lateral (B) chest radiography.

Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate? (click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of eleven pages)

1. The chest radiograph shows mediastinal and hilar lymph node enlargement
2. The chest radiograph shows multifocal nodular pulmonary consolidation
3. The chest radiograph shows multiple, bilateral cavitary nodules
4. The chest radiograph shows multiple, bilateral circumscribed nodules
5. The chest radiograph shows nodular interstitial thickening

Cite as: Gotway MB. May 2019 imaging case of the month: Asymptomatic pulmonary nodules and cysts in a 47-year-old woman. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;18(5):106-19. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc022-19 PDF 

Medical Image of the Month: Pectus Excavatum

Figure 1. A) PA chest radiograph at 38 years old demonstrates rib cage growth arrest at the time of pectus repair. B) and C) demonstrate the coronal and sagittal CT chest views.

Figure 2: Pulmonary function tests demonstrate severe restrictive ventilatory defect.

Clinical History

A 38-year-old man with obesity and history of pectus excavatum post-operative surgical repair at age 4 presented to the general pulmonary clinic with symptoms of severe dyspnea on exertion after walking one block. Chest x-ray and thoracic CT scan demonstrate anterior chest wall depression. (Figure 1). Pulmonary function testing demonstrated a severe restrictive lung disease (Figure 2).  High resolution CT demonstrated anterior chest wall depression. The Haller index was 2.5—mild excavatum—with associated scarring in the anterior right lung. Expiratory air-trapping was seen consistent with small airways disease.

Haller Index

The Haller index is calculated by dividing the transverse diameter of the chest by the anterior-posterior distance on the CT of the chest on the axial slice that demonstrates the smallest distance between the anterior surface of the vertebral body and the posterior surface of the sternum (1). Normal chest < 2.0; mild excavatum 2.0 – 3.2; moderate excavatum 3.2 – 3.5; severe excavatum > 3.5. Corrective surgery is considered for a Haller index of greater than or equal to 3.25.  Secondary thoracic dystrophy is a known consequence of too early repair of pectus excavatum (1).  Cases like our patient have changed when surgical repair is attempted until after puberty.

Michael Insel, MD and Janet Campion, MD

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine

Banner University Medical Center-Tucson

Tucson, AZ USA

Reference

1. Haller JA Jr, Colombani PM, Humphries CT, Azizkhan RG, Loughlin GM. Chest wall constriction after too extensive and too early operations for pectus excavatum. Ann Thorac Surg. 1996 Jun;61(6):1618-24. [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Cite as: Insel M, Campion J. Medical image of the month: pectus excavatum. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;18(2):50-1. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc124-18 PDF

February 2019 Imaging Case of the Month: Recurrent Bronchitis and Pneumonia in a 66-Year-Old Woman

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ

Clinical History: A 66–year old woman presented with complaints of a non-productive cough worsening over the previous several weeks. She complained that her cough had also occurred several months earlier, but resolved, and then subsequently returned.

The patient indicated that she has had bouts of bronchitis off and on for many years. Her smoking history included only 3 cigarettes / day for two years, quitting 20 years earlier. She did not note any allergies and her list of medications included only vitamin supplements, baby aspirin, omeprazole, and lisinopril. Her surgical history was remarkable only for remote tonsillectomy and hysterectomy.

Her physical examination was largely unremarkable, although some course breath sounds were detected over the medial right base. Her vital signs showed normal pulse rate and blood pressure, breathing at 12 breaths / minute. Her room air oxygen saturation was 97%.

Frontal chest radiography (Figure 1) was performed.

Figure 1. Initial frontal chest x-ray.

Which of the following represents the most accurate assessment of the chest radiographic findings? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the second of sixteen pages)

1. Chest radiography shows a vague solitary pulmonary opacity
2. Chest radiography shows basilar fibrotic opacities
3. Chest radiography shows cavitary pulmonary lesions
4. Chest radiography shows marked cardiomegaly
5. Chest radiography shows numerous small nodular opacities

Cite as: Gotway MB. February 2016 imaging case of the month: Recurrent bronchitis and pneumonia in a 66-year-old woman. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care. 2019;18(2):31-49. doi: https://doi.org/10.13175/swjpcc006-19 PDF