What Does The Following Chest X-ray Report Indicate?
No alveolar infiltrate or consolidation. No pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
Normal heart size and pulmonary vasculature.
Questionable vague density anteroinferior on the lateral view, could be superimposed shadows or a prominent epicardial fat pad, but there is some indistinctness of the lower right heart border on the PA view, could be some component of right middle lobe atelectasis. Suggest CT chest without contrast to evaluate for right middle lobe atelectasis or mass. Explain this please?
Here is a explanation
Detailed Answer:
Hello ! Thank you for using HCM.
I have gone through your question and i understand your concern.
From what you write you have done a X-Ray that give the possibility not only to see the front view of the lungs (PA, Postero-Lateral)but also the right and left side ( latero-lateral ,LL,taken from the side ) of the lungs .
The X-Ray should be interpreted together with the symptoms you have .
Here is the explanation word by word:
-Minimal subsegmental plate atelectasis or linear fibrosis -You have obstruction /collapse in a very small part of the left lang ( that is located down to the left ) called atelectasis. In this case alveoles ( small sack of the lungs ) don't exchange air , they become deflated .Fibrosis- when the lung is inflammated, the tissue after recovery is called fibrosis could be the cause of atelectasis.
-In the right middle lobe ( right lung) is not clear if it's atelectasis or something else .This is the reason why you should do a CT -scan( is more sensitive ) to have a better view of the lesion ,confirming the diagnosis .
-The other findings are normal .
Hope you find my answer helpful.
If you have any furtherclarifications , i will be happy to help.
Take Care !
Dr Balliu .