Radiology Notes

Lesson 1: 5 Radiographic Densities

A. Importance
 Fundamental to understanding
 Conventional radiographs
 Helps tell location of ds
 Helps tell what they may be

B. 5 Densities

Normal
The edge of heart can be seen as the heart and the lungs are
two different radiographic densities

 Metal absorbs the most x-rays and very few reach

the film cassette
 Air absorbs least x rays and most will be
reflected in the film cassette
 Calcium, fluid, fat and soft tissue are
intermediate

Example

Left Lung Atelectasis

When something replaces the air in the lungs, which is the
same density of the heart, the interface b/n the left heart
border and the lung disappear

 Clue as to composition of abnormality

 Tell the location of the abnormality

Lesson2: Silhouette Sign

A. Definition Atelectasis of the right lower lobe
 When 2 objects of the same radiographic density Normal – in the left lower lobe, the left hemidiaphragm can
touch each other, the border b/n them disappears be seen as there is air above (lungs) and below (colon)
Abonormal –at the right lower lobe, the right
B. Examples hemidiaphragm is absent caused by a something at the right
lower lobe w/ the same density as the hemiaphragm and the A. Definition
liver.  To views obtained at right angle to each other
The interface b/n the R lung and R hemidiaphram B. Importance
disappear.  To localize location of lesion on conventional
radiography
C. Current technology
 CT and UTZ can be utilized

Right Pneumonectomy
Opacification of the right hemithorax hence the structures
on the right can no longer be seen silhouetted by the lack of
air

Leasson 4: Pulmonary Imaging Part 1

Pneumonia – Left Lower Lobe, Anterior / Lingula

Airspace density at the lower lobe is absent
Absent interface b/n L heart border and L lung  must be
touching the heart  since the heart is anterior  it can be
anterior

Lateral view

Lesson 3: Orthogonal Views