What Does This Chest X-ray Report Indicate?
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
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