What Does This Chest X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 21 Dec 2016

Question: What does Interval resolution of previously seen left infrahilar curvilinear opacity mean? Regarding chest x ray of lungs

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Resolution of a previously seen opacity

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Please allow me to break the sentence down and explain.
# Hilum-part of the lung that hold major airways and blood vessels, kind of like its root.

# infrahilar - below the hilum

#curvilinear - is used to describe the shape of the structure seen. Some part is curved and and some is straight like a line. Like a question mark (?) for instance.

# opacity - is a shaded area (usually in shades of white) seen on an x-ray. This is seen in contrast to the black shade of air in the lungs. Anything other than air can appear as an opacity.

# interval resolution - resolving of something previously seen. It isn't present anymore as compared to another image taken over a period of time.

Putting it all together:
An opacity that was seen on an x-ray last month has resolved over a period of approximately 5 weeks.
This is good news.

-did you have respiratory tract infection ? Or any allergic reactions ?
-do you have any other medical issues ?

Hope I've answered your queries. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 days later)

I am unsatisfied with the answer. The second x ray was done 5-7 days after the first x ray. Not 5 weeks. The images look exactly the same and since I am still experiencing the same issues (fatigue, pain in left side of chest when exhaling or coughing, shortness of breath), I am sure there is something there.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Request for clarifications please

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for getting back to me.

I am sorry that you are unsatisfied with my answer.
- the dates mentioned along with the x-rays in the reports are 38 days apart (16th October and 23rd November) - approximately 5 weeks. This was the reason I thought it was taken 5 weeks apart.

- I only sought to answer your query. I didn't mean to say that you don't have any problems.
Imaging studies & lab tests serve to supplement a clinical diagnosis. I am sure that there is something wrong as you are symptomatic.

Now that you have mentioned your symptoms, Shortness of breath needs to be investigated thoroughly.
Would you clarify a few things for me, please?
# how long have you had these symptoms?
# is the shortness of breath (SOB) worse when you lie down or walk. Is it getting worse over time?
# do you have any phlegm /sputum when you cough? What colour is it?

# do you have any other medical issues or take any medications?
#do you have any fever, giddiness, sweating (unexplained)?
# did you have any recent respiratory tract infections? Any allergies?
# have you done any other tests or seen a doctor?
# what is your height and weight?
# are your menstrual cycles regular?
# did you have any surgeries?
# did you travel recently?
# any family history of lung or heart disease?

I recommend :
- a physician consult
-blood tests (complete blood count, Thyroid stimulating hormone, free t3, t4, liver & kidney function tests)
-urine analysis
-electrocardiogram and echocardiogram
-a CT scan of the chest, if indicated.

Based on these a diagnosis can be made.
Please get back to me with the above requested clarifications so that I may help you further.
If you have any further questions, I'd be happy to help.

Wish you good health.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY