Pleura is the tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs. Pleural disorders include pleurisy, pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Learn about causes, risk factors, and treatment options for these conditions.
Pleural disorders are conditions that affect the tissue that covers the outside of the lungs and lines the inside of your chest cavity. The tissue is called the pleura, and the thin space between its two layers is called the pleural space. A small amount of fluid fills the pleural space, and when you breathe in and out, this fluid helps the pleural layers glide smoothly against each other.
There are three types of pleural disorders—pleurisy, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax—and they have varying causes. Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. Pleural effusion and pneumothorax occur when an infection, medical condition, or chest injury causes fluid, pus, blood, air, or other gases to build up in the pleural space.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing are common symptoms of all types of pleural disorders, but treatment for pleural disorders varies depending on what type you have and how serious it is.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (2)
What is a pleural effusion? | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Diagram showing a build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion)
Diagram showing a build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion).
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
6:27
What is a pleural effusion? | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Diagram showing a build up of fluid in the lining of the lungs (pleural effusion)
Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Types
What Is LAM? Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
What Is LAM? Lymphangioleiomyomatosis
Lymphangioleiomyomatosis : Figure A shows the location of the lungs and airways in the body. The inset image shows a cross-section of a healthy lung. Figure B shows a view of the lungs with LAM and a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The inset image shows a cross-section of a lung with LAM.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Pleural Disorders - Types
The types of pleural disorders are pleural effusion, pleurisy, and pneumothorax.
Pleural effusion
Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pleural space. The cause of the buildup determines the type of pleural effusion.
Exudative effusion is caused by a buildup of fluid from inflammation, tumors, infection, or lung injury. The types of exudative effusion vary by the fluid buildup in the pleural space. For example, an empyema is a buildup of infection or pus, a hemothorax happens when blood builds up, and a chylothorax results from a buildup of chyle, a substance formed in the small intestine.
Transudative pleural effusion is caused by pressure in the blood vessels, most often because of a medical condition such as heart, kidney, or liver failure. The pressure pushes excess fluid into the pleural cavity.
Pleurisy
Pleurisy is inflammation of the pleura. It is also called pleuritis.
Pneumothorax
Pneumothorax occurs when air or other gas builds up in the pleural space and may cause part or all of the lung to collapse.
There are different types of pneumothorax.
Spontaneous pneumothorax may be caused by another medical condition that affects the lungs, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but people who have no signs of lung disease can also have a spontaneous pneumothorax.
Tension pneumothorax is a very large pneumothorax that may result in failure of the heart and the lungs. This can interfere with blood flow through your chest and cause your blood pressure to drop.
Traumatic pneumothorax is caused by a chest injury.
Cross-section of normal lungs and lungs with pleurisy and pneumothorax. Figure A shows the location of the lungs, airways, pleura, and diaphragm. The inset image on the left shows a closer view of the two layers of the pleura and the pleural space. Figure B shows lungs with pleurisy and a pneumothorax. The inset image on the right shows a closer view of an infected lung with thickened and inflamed pleural layers.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (10)
Pleural Effusion
Video by Learning in 10/YouTube
Pleural Effusion (DETAILED) - (pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, treatment)
Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
What is a pleural effusion? | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax
Video by RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
Pneumothorax and Chest Tube
Video by Learning in 10/YouTube
Pneumothorax: Signs and Symptoms | Ausmed Explains...
Video by Ausmed/YouTube
Pneumothorax
Video by Zero To Finals/YouTube
Pneumothorax | Lung Physiology | Pulmonary Medicine
Video by Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
Pleurisy Video
Video by AHJEarNoseAndThroat/YouTube
What is Pleurisy? (Lungs & Chest Cavity Lining Inflammation)
Video by healthery/YouTube
11:34
Pleural Effusion
Learning in 10/YouTube
16:09
Pleural Effusion (DETAILED) - (pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, treatment)
Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
6:27
What is a pleural effusion? | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
18:20
Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax
RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
8:51
Pneumothorax and Chest Tube
Learning in 10/YouTube
1:54
Pneumothorax: Signs and Symptoms | Ausmed Explains...
Ausmed/YouTube
8:19
Pneumothorax
Zero To Finals/YouTube
14:57
Pneumothorax | Lung Physiology | Pulmonary Medicine
Medicosis Perfectionalis/YouTube
3:43
Pleurisy Video
AHJEarNoseAndThroat/YouTube
2:59
What is Pleurisy? (Lungs & Chest Cavity Lining Inflammation)
healthery/YouTube
Risk Factors
Damage to your respiratory, neurological and cardiovascular health from Smoking
Image by TheVisualMD
Damage to your respiratory, neurological and cardiovascular health from Smoking
Damage to your respiratory, neurological and cardiovascular health from Smoking
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural Disorders - Risk Factors
You may have an increased risk for a pleural disorder because of your age, your family history and genetics, your lifestyle habits, medicines you take, other medical conditions, and your sex.
Age
Pleural disorders can happen at any age, but pneumothorax is most common in people 15 to 34 years old and people over age 55.
Family history and genetics
Having a family history of spontaneous pneumothorax increases your risk.
Lifestyle habits
Smoking tobacco or marijuana increases your risk of spontaneous pneumothorax.
Medicines
Taking certain medicines can increase your risk of some pleural disorders.
Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, such as heparin or warfarin, may increase the risk of hemothorax.
Cancer medicines, such as dasatinib and interleukin-2, may increase the risk of pleural effusion.
Medicines that can cause drug-induced lupus may increase the risk for pleural effusion. These medicines include hydralazine, used to treat high blood pressure, and procainamide, used to treat arrhythmia.
Nitrofurantoin, an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, may increase the risk of pleural effusion.
Other medical conditions
Pleural disorders are often complications of other diseases, either in the lungs or elsewhere in the body.
Cancer, such as lung cancer and lymphoma, or benign tumors, can cause pleural effusion.
Chest and heart surgery, especially coronary artery bypass grafting, can cause pleural effusion.
Heart failure can cause pleural effusion due to increased pressure in the blood vessels.
Infections, including viral infections such as influenza, bacterial infections such as pneumonia, and infections from fungi or parasites, can cause pleural effusion.
Inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and familial Mediterranean fever, can cause pleurisy.
Inherited disorders, such as Marfan syndrome and alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, can cause pneumothorax.
Kidney disease or liver disease may be associated with pleural effusion.
Lung diseases such as asbestos-related lung diseases, COPD, tuberculosis, and LAM, may cause pleural effusion or pneumothorax.
Pancreatitis may cause pleurisy.
Pulmonary embolism, a type of venous thromboembolism, may cause pleurisy.
Sarcoidosis may cause pleural effusion.
Sickle cell disease may cause pleurisy.
Sex
Men, especially those who are taller than average, are more likely than women to have a spontaneous pneumothorax, often without underlying lung disease.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (2)
What is spontaneous pneumothorax? How does smoking tobacco or marijuana contribute to the condition?
Video by MountainView Hospital/YouTube
How Smoking Impacts Your Lung Health
Video by American Lung Association/YouTube
1:29
What is spontaneous pneumothorax? How does smoking tobacco or marijuana contribute to the condition?
MountainView Hospital/YouTube
6:47
How Smoking Impacts Your Lung Health
American Lung Association/YouTube
Causes
Tension pneumothorax
Image by Baedr-9439/Wikimedia
Tension pneumothorax
illustration of a tension pneumothorax showing deviated trachea and collapsed lung
Image by Baedr-9439/Wikimedia
Pleural Disorders - Causes
Pleural disorders may be caused by inflammation, injury, or an imbalance of fluids in the pleural space.
Inflammation
Pleurisy is caused by inflammation in the pleura. The inflammation may happen because of an infection, tumor, or another medical condition.
The inflammation affects the two thin layers of the pleura. This can cause the surface of the layers to become rough and the fluid in between the layers to become sticky. When this happens, the two layers may rub together every time you breathe in instead of gliding past each other.
Injury
A chest injury, even an injury that does not break the skin but causes internal damage, can allow air, fluid, or blood to leak into the pleural space. This can cause a pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
Air or blood can also leak into the pleural space as a result of a medical procedure, such as a chest biopsy, mechanical ventilation, or thoracentesis.
Imbalance of fluid
Pleural effusions develop when fluid enters the pleural space faster or at a higher amount than the body can reabsorb. This imbalance of fluids can be caused by heart, kidney, or liver failure, or other medical conditions.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (5)
Hemothorax
C. Packing of sucking wound (a), after which respiration becomes more normal. Hemothorax (e). D. Development of tension pneumothorax because air cannot escape from tear in lung (a), after wound is adequately packed. If it develops, it must be treated by closed (catheter) drainage of cavity. Hemothorax (e).
Image by Lyman A. Brewer III, M.D., and Thomas H. Burford, M.D.
Causes of Pleurisy Video
Video by AHJEarNoseAndThroat/YouTube
Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax
Video by RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
Trauma 4, Chest injuries and pneumothorax
Video by Dr. John Campbell/YouTube
LARGE PNEUMOTHORAX - COLLAPSED LUNG
Video by DrER.tv/YouTube
Hemothorax
Lyman A. Brewer III, M.D., and Thomas H. Burford, M.D.
2:11
Causes of Pleurisy Video
AHJEarNoseAndThroat/YouTube
18:20
Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax
RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
38:01
Trauma 4, Chest injuries and pneumothorax
Dr. John Campbell/YouTube
2:00
LARGE PNEUMOTHORAX - COLLAPSED LUNG
DrER.tv/YouTube
Symptoms
Depiction of a person suffering from chest pain
Image by https://www.myupchar.com
Depiction of a person suffering from chest pain
Depiction of a person suffering from chest pain. The typical causes of chest pain have been mentioned.
Image by https://www.myupchar.com
Pleural Disorders - Signs, Symptoms
Pleural disorders may occur with no symptoms, or they may have obvious symptoms. Signs, symptoms, and complications vary depending on the pleural disorder and how severe it is.
Signs and symptoms
The signs and symptoms for pleural disorders may include:
Chest pain that is sharp or stabbing and gets worse when you breathe in deeply or cough or sneeze
Cough
Shortness of breath
Low weight or slow rate of weight gain in children. Usually the weight is well below the child’s ideal weight or the average weight of other children of the same age
Fever
Fatigue
Bluish skin caused by not getting enough oxygen
Anxiety
Rapid heart rate
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (3)
Pneumothorax: Signs and Symptoms | Ausmed Explains...
Complications for pleural disorders can be life threatening. Some of the possible complications include:
Atelectasis, which can be a complication of pneumothorax.
Empyema, which is pus in the pleural space.
Sepsis
Shock, which is a life-threatening complication of hemothorax or tension pneumothorax. This can happen when blood pressure drops dangerously low.
Unexpandable (trapped or entrapped) lung, which can be a complication of pleural effusion that is caused by cancer, hemothorax, or pleurisy.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (6)
What is Atelectasis? (Complete or Partial Lung Collapse)
Video by healthery/YouTube
Empyema and Pleural Effusions
Video by SurgEdVidz/YouTube
Atelectasis (Medical Definition) | Quick Explainer Video
Video by Respiratory Therapy Zone/YouTube
What is atelectasis?
Video by HealthFeed Network/YouTube
Sepsis animation
Video by APSDEG/YouTube
What is Sepsis? (Life-threatening Infection)
Video by healthery/YouTube
3:29
What is Atelectasis? (Complete or Partial Lung Collapse)
healthery/YouTube
2:21
Empyema and Pleural Effusions
SurgEdVidz/YouTube
3:21
Atelectasis (Medical Definition) | Quick Explainer Video
Respiratory Therapy Zone/YouTube
0:55
What is atelectasis?
HealthFeed Network/YouTube
0:57
Sepsis animation
APSDEG/YouTube
2:31
What is Sepsis? (Life-threatening Infection)
healthery/YouTube
Diagnosis
X-ray and CT of ground glass opacities and pneumothorax in pneumocystis pneumonia
Image by Carolyn M. Allen, Hamdan H. AL-Jahdali, Klaus L. Irion, Sarah Al Ghanem, Alaa Gouda, and Ali Nawaz Khan
X-ray and CT of ground glass opacities and pneumothorax in pneumocystis pneumonia
X-ray and CT of ground glass opacities and pneumothorax in Pneumocystis pneumonia.[
Image by Carolyn M. Allen, Hamdan H. AL-Jahdali, Klaus L. Irion, Sarah Al Ghanem, Alaa Gouda, and Ali Nawaz Khan
Pleural Disorders - Diagnosis
Your doctor may diagnose a pleural disorder based on your medical history, a physical exam, and diagnostic tests and procedures. Before diagnosing you with a pleural disorder, your doctor will rule out other medical reasons or conditions that may be causing your signs and symptoms.
Medical history
Your doctor will want to learn about your signs and symptoms, risk factors, personal health history, and family health history to determine whether you have a pleural disorder and, if so, what kind.
To help diagnose a pleural disorder, your doctor may ask you to describe any chest pain, including details such as the following:
What it feels like
Where it is located and whether you can feel it in your arms, jaw, or shoulders
When it started and whether it goes away and then comes back
What makes it better or worse
This information about the chest pain you have experienced can help your doctor determine whether it is caused by problems with your heart, chest muscles, lungs, or digestive system.
Physical exam
As part of a physical examination, your doctor will measure your blood pressure and heart rate, feel your chest and belly, take your temperature, listen to your heart and lungs, and feel your pulse. Your doctor may also check the level of oxygen in your blood with a probe on your finger or forehead.
Your doctor will listen to your breathing to find out whether your lungs are making any abnormal sounds.
If you have pleurisy, the inflamed layers of the pleura may make a rough, scratchy sound as they rub against each other when you breathe. Doctors call this a pleural friction rub.
If you have a pleural effusion, fluid buildup in the pleural space may prevent a friction rub. But if you have a lot of fluid, your doctor may hear a dull sound when he or she taps on your chest.
If you have a pneumothorax, your doctor may hear more echo than usual when he or she taps on your chest.
Diagnostic tests and procedures
Your doctor may order a combination of the following tests to help diagnose a pleural disorder.
Biopsy to retrieve a sample of the pleura. The sample is checked for signs of disease.
Blood tests to show whether you have an illness that increases your risk of pleurisy or another pleural disorder
Chest CT scan to find pockets of fluid or air and signs of pneumonia, a lung abscess, tumors, blood clots, or other possible causes of pleural disorders
Chest MRI tolook for possible causes of pleural disorders or confirm results of other imaging tests, such as a chest CT scan
Chest X-ray to look for air or fluid in the pleural space, problems with the lung or pleura, or an underlying cause of a pleural disorder, such as pneumonia, a fractured rib, or a lung tumor
Endoscopy to look for signs of disease, guide the doctor while performing a biopsy, or remove pleural fluid
Thoracentesis to remove a sample of pleural fluid for testing. The fluid removed during thoracentesis is tested and examined under a microscope for signs of infection, cancer, or other conditions that can cause fluid or blood to build up in the pleural space.
Ultrasound to look for fluid, air, or other abnormal findings in your chest
Tests for other medical conditions
Your doctor may order the following tests to help rule out other medical conditions that can cause chest pain.
Blood tests to rule out other medical conditions affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, or other chronic inflammatory diseases that can cause pleural disorders
Chest X-ray to look for signs of pneumonia or other serious problems
CT angiography to take pictures of your blood vessels and look for blood clots in the lungs. This can help rule out pulmonary embolism, a type of venous thromboembolism.
Electrocardiogram to measure your heartbeat and rule out a heart problem such as heart attack or pericarditis, a type of heart inflammation
Echocardiography to look for an aortic aneurysm or signs of damage to your heart
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (5)
Diagnosis Of Pleurisy Video
Video by AHJHeartHealth/YouTube
How to identify pneumothorax on a chest X-ray.
Video by Medmastery/YouTube
Anatomy Thorax Overview - Ribs, Sternal angle, Pleura and Pneumothorax
Video by Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
"Thoracentesis During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation" by Samuel Rice-Townsend for OPENPediatrics
Video by OPENPediatrics/YouTube
Pleural effusion diagnosis and treatment | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
0:32
Diagnosis Of Pleurisy Video
AHJHeartHealth/YouTube
7:29
How to identify pneumothorax on a chest X-ray.
Medmastery/YouTube
10:53
Anatomy Thorax Overview - Ribs, Sternal angle, Pleura and Pneumothorax
Armando Hasudungan/YouTube
6:32
"Thoracentesis During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation" by Samuel Rice-Townsend for OPENPediatrics
OPENPediatrics/YouTube
13:09
Pleural effusion diagnosis and treatment | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
A chest computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the lungs and the inside of the chest. Computers combine the pictures to create a 3-D model showing the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest.
A chest computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that takes detailed pictures of the lungs and the inside of the chest. Computers combine the pictures to create a 3-D model showing the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest.
{"label":"Chest CT scan reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"A chest CT scan provides detailed pictures of the size, shape, and position of your lungs and other structures in your chest. A normal chest CT means your chest appears normal.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"An abnormal chest CT scan may show any abnormality regarding the size, shape, and position of the lungs and structures in the chest.","conditions":["Heart failure","Pneumonia","Tuberculosis","Lung cancer","Sarcoidosis","Pleural effusion","Pulmonary embolism","Emphysema","Lung scarring"]}],"value":0.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A chest CT scan provides detailed pictures of the size, shape, and position of your lungs and other structures in your chest. A normal chest CT means your chest appears normal.
Related conditions
A chest CT scan is a more detailed type of chest X-ray. This painless imaging test takes many detailed pictures, called slices, of your lungs and the inside of your chest. Computers can combine these pictures to create three-dimensional (3D) models to help show the size, shape, and position of your lungs and structures in your chest.
This imaging test is often done to follow up on abnormal findings from earlier chest x rays. A chest CT scan also can help determine the cause of lung symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain, or check to see if you have certain lung problems such as a tumor, excess fluid around the lungs that is known as pleural effusion, pulmonary embolism, emphysema, tuberculosis, and pneumonia.
A chest CT scan provides detailed pictures of the size, shape, and position of your lungs and other structures in your chest. Doctors use this test to:
Follow up on abnormal results from standard chest x rays.
Find the cause of lung symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
Find out whether you have a lung problem, such as a tumor, excess fluid around the lungs, or a pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). The test also is used to check for other conditions, such as tuberculosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan if you have symptoms of lung problems, such as chest pain or trouble breathing. The scan can help find the cause of the symptoms.
A chest CT scan looks for problems such as tumors, excess fluid around the lungs, and pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). The scan also checks for other conditions, such as tuberculosis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Your doctor may recommend a chest CT scan if a standard chest x ray doesn't help diagnose the problem. The chest CT scan can:
Provide more detailed pictures of your lungs and other chest structures than a standard chest x ray
Find the exact location of a tumor or other problem
Show something that isn't visible on a chest x ray
Your chest CT scan may be done in a medical imaging facility or hospital. The CT scanner is a large, tunnel-like machine that has a table. You will lie still on the table and the table will slide into the scanner. Talk to your doctor if you are uncomfortable in tight or closed spaces to see if you need medicine to relax you during the test. You will hear soft buzzing or clicking sounds when you are inside the scanner and the scanner is taking pictures. You will be able to hear from and talk to the technician performing the test while you are inside the scanner. For some diagnoses, a contrast dye, often iodine-based, may be injected into a vein in your arm before the imaging test. This contrast dye highlights areas inside your chest and creates clearer pictures. You may feel some discomfort from the needle or, after the contrast dye is injected, you may feel warm briefly or have a temporary metallic taste in your mouth.
Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing for the test. Sometimes the CT scan technician (a person specially trained to do CT scans) may ask you to wear a hospital gown. You also may want to avoid wearing jewelry and other metal objects. You'll be asked to take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects that might interfere with the test. You may be asked to remove hearing aids and dentures as well. Let the technician know if you have any body piercing on your chest.
Tell your doctor whether you're pregnant or may be pregnant. If possible, you should avoid unnecessary radiation exposure during pregnancy. This is because of the concern that radiation may harm the fetus.
Chest CT scans have some risks. In rare instances, some people have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. There is a slight risk of cancer, particularly in growing children, because the test uses radiation. Although the amount of radiation from one test is usually less than the amount of radiation you are naturally exposed to over three years, patients should not receive more CT scans than the number that clinical guidelines recommend. Another risk is that chest CT scans may detect an incidental finding, which is something that doesn’t cause symptoms but now may require more tests after being found.
Talk to your doctor and the technicians performing the test about whether you are or could be pregnant. If the test is not urgent, they may have you wait to do the test until after your pregnancy. If it is urgent, the technicians will take extra steps to protect your baby during this test. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding because contrast dye can pass into your breast milk. If you must have contrast dye injected, you may want to pump and save enough breast milk for one to two days after your test or you may bottle-feed your baby for that time.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-ct-scan [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003788.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
Additional Materials (50)
Pleural empyema
CT chest showing large right sided hydro-pneumothorax from pleural empyema. Arrows A: air, B: fluid
Image by Amit Banga, GC Khilnani, SK Sharma1, AB Dey, Naveet Wig and Namrata Banga
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Diagnosed?
CT with the identification of underlying lung lesion: an apical bulla.
Image by Robertolyra
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Treated?
Right-sided pneumothorax (right side of image) on CT scan of the chest with chest tube in place.
Image by en:User:Clinical Cases
Chest Radiograph
Chest X-Ray : Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
What To Expect During a Coronary Calcium Scan
3D reconstruction of the thin multislice CT, covering human heart and lungs
Image by Semnic
Incision for Open-Chest Bypass Surgery
Open-chest bypass surgery requires the surgeon to make an incision down the center of the chest, along the breastbone. The rib cage is spread open to expose the heart.
Image by TheVisualMD
A child's guide to hospital: CT Chest
Video by The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne/YouTube
What is it like to have a CT scan? | Cancer Research UK
Video by Cancer Research UK/YouTube
Coronary CT angiography of coronary arteries
Researchers have found that anti-inflammatory biologic therapies used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis can significantly reduce coronary inflammation in patients with the chronic skin condition. Scientists said the findings are particularly notable because of the use of a novel imaging biomarker, the perivascular fat attenuation index (FAI), that was able to measure the effect of the therapy in reducing the inflammation.
The study published online in JAMA Cardiology, has implications not just for people with psoriasis, but for those with other chronic inflammatory diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions are known to increase the risk for heart attacks and strokes. The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the National Institutes of Health.
In this image: Coronary CT angiography image of the coronary arteries depicting the perivascular fat attenuation index before and after biologic therapy at one-year follow-up for patients with excellent response to biologic therapy.
Image by Oxford Academic Cardiovascular CT Core Lab and Lab of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at NHLBI
Coronary CT
Coronary CT
Image by Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
CT of the blood vessels and heart
CT of the blood vessels and heart
Image by Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
Chest CT showing pulmonary sequestration
chest CT: diagnosis is pulmonary sequestration
Image by RadsWiki
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Image by Matthew Cham, MD
/Wikimedia
Having a Cardiac CT Scan in Hospital
Video by Oxford AHSN/YouTube
What to Expect from a CT Exam with Contrast
Video by RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
Protocoling chest CTs
Video by Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
Low Dose CT Scans to Look for Lung Cancer
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
Lung Cancer Screening (LCS)
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
CT Scan of the Chest Explained Clearly - High Resolution CT Scan (HRCT)
Video by MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained CLEARLY/YouTube
What to Expect: CT Scan | Cedars-Sinai
Video by Cedars-Sinai/YouTube
How I Read a Chest CT
Video by Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
Introduction to Computed Tomographic imaging of the Chest
Video by Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging/YouTube
Lung Cancer Screening: The Life-saving CT Scan
Video by RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
How to prepare for a CT scan
Video by Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube
Using CT Scans to Screen for Lung Cancer
Video by UConn Health/YouTube
Cardiac CT scan
Video by UHP_NHS/YouTube
Real look at Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan from Start to Finish.
Video by Dumb Old Dad/YouTube
What is it like to get a CT Scan with Contrast?
Video by STRIDE Project/YouTube
Thorax with Healthy Heart
3D visualization based on scanned human data of a healthy heart in the thorax.
Image by TheVisualMD
Heart and Lungs
The heart and lungs are the primary contents of the thorax. They are interconnected with very large blood vessels. The heart sends oxygen-poor blood through the pulmonary arteries to the lungs, which oxygenate it and return it to the heart through the pulmonary veins. The pulmonary arteries arise from one large pulmonary trunk, and then begin branching exponentially once they enter the lungs in order to reach the functional respiratory units and pick up oxygen. The smallest pulmonary veins then take the oxygenated blood backwards through the lungs and empty into the back of the heart through four larger pulmonary veins. The oxygen-rich blood is then pumped by the heart out into the body through the aorta. Deoxygenated blood from body tissues returns to the heart through the superior and inferior vena cava and the cardiac cycle repeats continuously. The pulmonary veins and arteries are the only case where arteries carry deoxygenated blood and veins carry blood that has been oxygenated.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
3D visualization of an anterior view of the muscles involved in respiration. The primary job of the thorax is to promote movements necessary for breathing. Three muscles of the thorax assist in this function; the external intercostals, internal intercostals and diaphragm. The intercostals do the job of lifting the ribs up and pulling them outward, which in turn enlarges the lungs. As the lungs expand, the pressure inside them is reduced, and they suck in air. During extreme inhalation, the neck muscles also contract. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and pushes downward; during exhalation, it relaxes and is pushed up into a dome shape by the lower digestive organs, compressing the lungs. As pressure rises in the chest cavity, exhale occurs, pressure is equalized and the cycle restarts.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
3D visualization of an inferior view of the muscles involved in respiration. The primary job of the thorax is to promote movements necessary for breathing. Three muscles of the thorax assist in this function; the external intercostals, internal intercostals and diaphragm. The intercostals do the job of lifting the ribs up and pulling them outward, which in turn enlarges the lungs. As the lungs expand, the pressure inside them is reduced, and they suck in air. During extreme inhalation, the neck muscles also contract. During inhalation, the diaphragm contracts and pushes downward; during exhalation, it relaxes and is pushed up into a dome shape by the lower digestive organs, compressing the lungs. As pressure rises in the chest cavity, exhalation occurs, pressure is equalized and the cycle restarts.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with visible Lung and Heart
3D visualization of a posterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Female Thorax Showing Breast
Visualization based on scanned human data of an anterior view of female breast.
Image by TheVisualMD
Male Thorax with Visible Heart
Visualization of male heart. The nerve supply of the heart is emphasized specifically the cardiac plexus. The plexus which rest around the base of the heart, mainly in the epicardium, is formed by cardiac branches from the vagus nerves and the sympathetic trunks and ganglia.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thorax with Heart and Lung
3D visualization of an anterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. The cone-shaped lungs occupy most of the thoracic cavity. Each lung is suspended in its own pleural cavity and connected to the mediastinum (which houses the heart) by its root which is made up of vascular and bronchial attachments. The anterior, lateral and posterior surfaces of the lung are in close contact with the ribs and form a continuously curving surface called the costal surface. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
Image by TheVisualMD
Male Thorax Showing Trachea and Lung
3D visualization of an anterior view of the lungs and heart reconstructed from scanned human data. De-oxygenated red blood cells are sent by the right side of the heart through the pulmonary artery into the vessels of the lungs to be refilled with oxygen for their next circuit through the body. The blood is carried through the lung tissues, where it exchanges its carbon dioxide for oxygen in the alveoli. It is then returned through the pulmonary veins to the left side of the heart and sent out to the rest of the body. The pulmonary artery carries away the deoxygenated blood, which returns fully oxygenated through the pulmonary vein.
Image by TheVisualMD
Thoracic Aneurysm in the Aorta
Aneurysms that occur in the part of the aorta that is higher in the chest are called thoracic aortic aneurysms. Aortic aneurysms often grow slowly and usually without any symptoms therefore making them difficult to detect
Image by TheVisualMD
Ventilation/perfusion scan
subFusion processing applied to a SPECT lung ventilation-perfusion scan.
Image by KieranMaher at English Wikibooks
Bronchi and Bronchiole of Lung
3D visualization of an inferior view of a transverse section of the thorax, highlighting the lungs, reconstructed from scanned human data. The trachea, cardiac impression, and transverse sections of the thoracic aorta and esophagus are clearly illustrated. The bronchial tree is also visible. When air is inhaled into the lungs, it flows through large tubes called bronchi, branches into smaller tubes known as bronchioles, and ends up in the thousands of small pouches that are the alveoli. This is where the oxygen is transferred from the air into the bloodstream. Each alveolar sac, or air sac, is surrounded by a bed of capillaries, and the walls between the lung and the capillary are extremely thin. The walls are so delicate, in fact, that the inhaled oxygen can seep from the air sacs to bind to the hemoglobin in the blood, while the carbon dioxide and other waste gasses leave the blood and diffuse into the lungs where they can be exhaled.
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
Angina
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
Chest Pain
Image by TheVisualMD
Chest Pain or Tightness
Image by TheVisualMD
CT scanner
A view of the CT scanner in the new Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. The hospital, still under construction, is a 2005 Base Realignment and Closure project, and is scheduled to open later this year.
Image by Official Navy Page from United States of America MC2 Todd Frantom/U.S. Marine Corps
Illustration of 3 X-ray images and a patient entering a CT scanner
Radiation can be dangerous, but it can also save lives. When you’re faced with a medical test that uses radiation, don’t let fear get in your way. Learn about the risks and benefits, and know what questions to ask.
Image by NIH News in Health
Drawing of a computerized tomography scanner with a health care professional looking on a computer screen as a patient lies inside the scanner
CT scan.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Advanced CT Scanning
An NIH Clinical Center study participant receives a scan in the Photon-Counting CT scanner.
Image by NIH Clinical Center
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
CAT Scan
A computer-assisted tomographic (CAT) scanner, with a Caucasian female technician working at a screen and behind a glass wall. A patient is on a table and being tested by the CAT scanner. The lighting is very subdued. This new technology revolutionized detection of brain tumors.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Virtual Colonoscopy Slice of CT Data
Virtual colonoscopy is a new imaging technology that uses computed tomography (CT) images to look for polyps and cancer in the colon. A computed tomography scanner takes cross-sectional images of the patient's colon, after the colon has been inflated with gas. A three-dimensional model is created from the CT slices and evaluated by a radiologist for abnormalities.
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural empyema
Amit Banga, GC Khilnani, SK Sharma1, AB Dey, Naveet Wig and Namrata Banga
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Diagnosed?
Robertolyra
How Are Pleurisy and Other Pleural Disorders Treated?
en:User:Clinical Cases
Chest Radiograph
TheVisualMD
What To Expect During a Coronary Calcium Scan
Semnic
Incision for Open-Chest Bypass Surgery
TheVisualMD
4:22
A child's guide to hospital: CT Chest
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne/YouTube
1:50
What is it like to have a CT scan? | Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research UK/YouTube
Coronary CT angiography of coronary arteries
Oxford Academic Cardiovascular CT Core Lab and Lab of Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Diseases at NHLBI
Coronary CT
Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
CT of the blood vessels and heart
Bác sĩ Nguyễn Minh Đức
Chest CT showing pulmonary sequestration
RadsWiki
Scimitar syndrome chest CT
Matthew Cham, MD
/Wikimedia
4:59
Having a Cardiac CT Scan in Hospital
Oxford AHSN/YouTube
2:33
What to Expect from a CT Exam with Contrast
RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
7:48
Protocoling chest CTs
Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
1:44
Low Dose CT Scans to Look for Lung Cancer
Lee Health/YouTube
8:27
Lung Cancer Screening (LCS)
Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
5:10
CT Scan of the Chest Explained Clearly - High Resolution CT Scan (HRCT)
MedCram - Medical Lectures Explained CLEARLY/YouTube
3:29
What to Expect: CT Scan | Cedars-Sinai
Cedars-Sinai/YouTube
17:21
How I Read a Chest CT
Thoracic Radiology/YouTube
8:46
Introduction to Computed Tomographic imaging of the Chest
Yale Radiology and Biomedical Imaging/YouTube
3:09
Lung Cancer Screening: The Life-saving CT Scan
RAYUS Radiology™/YouTube
2:19
How to prepare for a CT scan
Sunnybrook Hospital/YouTube
2:07
Using CT Scans to Screen for Lung Cancer
UConn Health/YouTube
5:04
Cardiac CT scan
UHP_NHS/YouTube
6:28
Real look at Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan from Start to Finish.
Dumb Old Dad/YouTube
2:52
What is it like to get a CT Scan with Contrast?
STRIDE Project/YouTube
Thorax with Healthy Heart
TheVisualMD
Heart and Lungs
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Muscle Involved in Respiration
TheVisualMD
Thorax with visible Lung and Heart
TheVisualMD
Female Thorax Showing Breast
TheVisualMD
Male Thorax with Visible Heart
TheVisualMD
Thorax with Heart and Lung
TheVisualMD
Cross Section of Human Thorax. Liver in bottom Left
TheVisualMD
Male Thorax Showing Trachea and Lung
TheVisualMD
Thoracic Aneurysm in the Aorta
TheVisualMD
Ventilation/perfusion scan
KieranMaher at English Wikibooks
Bronchi and Bronchiole of Lung
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain
TheVisualMD
Chest Pain or Tightness
TheVisualMD
CT scanner
Official Navy Page from United States of America MC2 Todd Frantom/U.S. Marine Corps
Illustration of 3 X-ray images and a patient entering a CT scanner
NIH News in Health
Drawing of a computerized tomography scanner with a health care professional looking on a computer screen as a patient lies inside the scanner
NIDDK Image Library
Advanced CT Scanning
NIH Clinical Center
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
CAT Scan
National Cancer Institute / Linda Bartlett (Photographer)
Virtual Colonoscopy Slice of CT Data
TheVisualMD
Chest MRI Scan
Chest MRI Test
Also called: Chest MRI Scan, Chest Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Chest NMR, MRI of the thorax, Thoracic MRI
A chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the structures in your chest, including your chest wall, heart, and blood vessels.
Chest MRI Test
Also called: Chest MRI Scan, Chest Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Chest NMR, MRI of the thorax, Thoracic MRI
A chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is an imaging test that uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create detailed pictures of the structures in your chest, including your chest wall, heart, and blood vessels.
{"label":"Chest MRI reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"A chest MRI evaluates blood flow, shows lymph nodes, blood vessels and the structures of the chest from many angles. A normal chest MRI means your chest area appears normal.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"An abnormal chest MRI may show a tumor, problems in the blood vessels (such as an aneurysm or blood clot), abnormal lymph nodes, or another chest condition (such as a pleural disorder).","conditions":[]}],"value":0.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A chest MRI evaluates blood flow, shows lymph nodes, blood vessels and the structures of the chest from many angles. A normal chest MRI means your chest area appears normal.
Related conditions
Chest MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a safe, noninvasive test. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This test creates detailed pictures of the structures in your chest, such as your chest wall, heart, and blood vessels.
Chest MRI uses radio waves, magnets, and a computer to create these pictures. The test is used to:
Look for tumors in the chest
Look at blood vessels, lymph (limf) nodes, and other structures in the chest
Help explain the results of other tests, such as a chest x ray or chest computed tomography (to-MOG-rah-fee) scan, also called a chest CT scan.
As part of some chest MRIs, a substance called contrast dye is injected into a vein in your arm. This dye allows the MRI to take more detailed pictures of the structures in your chest.
Chest MRI can provide detailed information to help your doctor diagnose lung problems such as a tumor or pleural disorder, blood vessel problems, or abnormal lymph nodes. Chest MRI can help explain the results of other imaging tests such as chest x rays and chest CT scans.
Your doctor may recommend chest MRI if he or she thinks you have a chest condition, such as:
A tumor
Problems in the blood vessels, such as an aneurysm (AN-u-rism) or blood clot
Abnormal lymph nodes
Another chest condition, such as a pleural disorder
Chest MRI also may be used to help explain the results of other tests, such as chest x ray and chest CT scan.
Researchers are exploring ways to use chest MRI to study blood flow in the lungs. The test may help detect early signs of pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH is increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries. These arteries carry blood from your heart to your lungs to pick up oxygen.
Chest MRI may be done in a medical imaging facility or hospital. Before your test, a technician may inject a contrast dye into a vein in your arm to highlight your heart and blood vessels. You may feel some discomfort from the needle or have a cool feeling as the contrast dye is injected. The MRI machine is a large, tunnel-like machine that has a table. You will lie still on the table, and the table will slide into the machine. You will hear loud humming, tapping, and buzzing sounds when you are inside the machine as pictures of your chest are being taken. You will be able to hear from and talk to the technician performing the test while you are inside the machine. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds during the test.
Your doctor or an MRI technician will ask you some questions before the test, such as:
Are you pregnant or do you think you could be? Generally, you shouldn't have a chest MRI if you're pregnant, especially during the first trimester. Sometimes, though, an MRI is needed to help diagnose a serious condition that may harm you or your baby. If you're pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of an MRI with your doctor.
Have you had any surgery? If so, what kind?
Do you use transdermal patches (patches that stick to the skin) to take any of your medicines? Some medicine patches contain aluminum and other metals. These metals can cause skin burns during an MRI. Examples of transdermal patches are nicotine and fentanyl (medicine used for pain) patches.
Do you have any metal objects in your body, like metal screws or pins in a bone?
Do you have any medical devices in your body, such as a pacemaker, an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, cochlear (inner-ear) implants, or brain aneurysm clips? The strong magnets in the MRI machine can damage these devices.
Your answers will help your doctor decide whether you should have chest MRI.
Chest MRI has few risks. Unlike a CT scan or standard x ray, MRI doesn't use radiation or pose any risk of cancer. Rarely, the contrast dye used for some chest MRIs may cause an allergic reaction or worsen kidney function in people who have kidney disease.
The pictures from chest MRI may show a tumor, problems in the blood vessels (such as an aneurysm or blood clot), abnormal lymph nodes, or another chest condition (such as a pleural disorder).
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-mri [accessed on Feb 25, 2022]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003794.htm [accessed on Feb 25, 2022]
Additional Materials (23)
MRI and CT Scan the differences
Video by Vijayan Ragavan/YouTube
Having a Cardiac MRI scan
Video by Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust/YouTube
Chest MRI – Valley Children’s Hospital
Video by ValleyChildrens/YouTube
What To Expect During Cardiac MRI
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Image by National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute / NIH
MRI Scans
Philips MRI in Sahlgrenska Universitetsjukhuset, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Image by Jan Ainali
Human Heart
Composited image profile of a heart as seen through various rendering techniques. With volume rendering software, slices of Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI), and Computer Tomography (CT) scans can be compiled to produce a three-dimensional (3D) model of an organ such as a heart. Models can be viewed in various ways. As individual slices, as is seen along the left or as enhanced color, gray scale volume and 3D transparency, as is seen along the right.
Image by TheVisualMD
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
Figure A shows the heart's position in the body and the location and angle of the MRI pictures shown in figure C. Figure B is an MRI angiogram, which is sometimes used instead of a standard angiogram. Figure C shows MRI pictures of a normal left ventricle (left image), a left ventricle damaged from a heart attack (middle image), and a left ventricle that isn't getting enough blood from the coronary arteries (right image).
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
MRI Scans
Woman lying face down on breast MRI table, right breast visible, for MRI exam. Breast MRI tables have special padded recesses that the breasts hang into for imaging. MRIs don't expose the patient to radiation, as they use magnetic energy and radiowaves to produce hundreds of images of the breast from multiple angles. Breast MRIs use a contrast agent called gadolinium, injected through an intravenous line, that causes tumors to "light up" in the MRI image.
Image by ser:KasugaHuang
Cardiac Mri
Figure A shows the heart's position in the body and the location and angle of the MRI pictures shown in figure C. Figure B is an MRI angiogram, which is sometimes used instead of a standard angiogram. Figure C shows MRI pictures of a normal left ventricle (left image), a left ventricle damaged from a heart attack (middle image), and a left ventricle that isn't getting enough blood from the coronary arteries (right image).
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
Enlarged right ventricle with poor function in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by CMR
Enlarged right ventricle with poor function in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by CMR
Image by Jccmoon (talk)
Cardiac MRI flow visualization
Cardiac MRI flow visualization
Image by Vasanawala
Cardiac MRI streamlines
Cardiac MRI streamlines visualization
Image by Vasanawala
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Image by Hellerhoff
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging perfusion
Animated sagittal MRI slice of my beating heart
Image by Bionerd
Chest MRI
Video by MRI Arbil/YouTube
Diagnostic Imaging
MRI of the ThoraxSpecialized test,. like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
Imaging of the Heart With Contrast
Imaging of the Heart With Contrast
Image by TheVisualMD
Lumpectomy
Colorized MR of Breasts After Breast Conserving Surgery or Lumpectomy : Colorized breast MR of breasts, axial slice (horizontal view, as though seen from above). The breast on the right side of the image has had breast-conserving surgery, also called lumpectomy. This type of surgery removes the tumor, some breast tissue, and some lymph nodes, but preserves the chest muscles. The aim of the surgery is to take only as much tissue as is necessary to keep the chance of recurrence low, but to keep the breast looking as normal as possible.
Image by TheVisualMD
Aortic dissection
Aortic Dissection : CT of aortic dissection 1 descending aorta with dissection 2 left subclavian artery 3 ascending aorta
Image by Dr. Lars Grenacher (www.grenacher.de), uploaded by J. Heuser
Symptoms, Tests, and Diagnosis
Image by TheVisualMD
Breast MRI for Cancer Staging
Breast MRI for Cancer Staging
Image by TheVisualMD
Breast MRI (VIDEO)
Dr. Nora Jaskowiak of The University of Chicago Medical Center explains why Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a critical tool in her role as breast surgeon.
Image by TheVisualMD
Looped MRI video of a healthy 13 year old female's heart beating.
Looped MRI video of a healthy 13 year old female's heart beating.
Image by Alith3204
5:35
MRI and CT Scan the differences
Vijayan Ragavan/YouTube
3:55
Having a Cardiac MRI scan
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Trust/YouTube
1:58
Chest MRI – Valley Children’s Hospital
ValleyChildrens/YouTube
What To Expect During Cardiac MRI
National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute / NIH
MRI Scans
Jan Ainali
Human Heart
TheVisualMD
Magnetic Resonance Angiography
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
MRI Scans
ser:KasugaHuang
Cardiac Mri
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NIH)
Enlarged right ventricle with poor function in a patient with repaired tetralogy of Fallot by CMR
Jccmoon (talk)
Cardiac MRI flow visualization
Vasanawala
Cardiac MRI streamlines
Vasanawala
Aberrant subclavian artery in MRI / MRA. Maximum intension projection.
Hellerhoff
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging perfusion
Bionerd
13:24
Chest MRI
MRI Arbil/YouTube
Diagnostic Imaging
TheVisualMD
Imaging of the Heart With Contrast
TheVisualMD
Lumpectomy
TheVisualMD
Aortic dissection
Dr. Lars Grenacher (www.grenacher.de), uploaded by J. Heuser
Symptoms, Tests, and Diagnosis
TheVisualMD
Breast MRI for Cancer Staging
TheVisualMD
Breast MRI (VIDEO)
TheVisualMD
Looped MRI video of a healthy 13 year old female's heart beating.
Alith3204
Chest X-Ray Test
Chest X-Ray Test
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
Chest X-Ray Test
Also called: CXR, Chest X Ray, Chest Radiograph, Chest Radiography, Chest Film
A chest X-ray is an imaging test that uses electromagnetic waves to create pictures of the structures in and around the chest. The test can help diagnose and monitor conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity.
{"label":"Chest X-Ray Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"X rays are electromagnetic waves. They use ionizing radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. A chest x ray takes pictures of the inside of your chest. The different tissues in your chest absorb different amounts of radiation. Your ribs and spine are bony and absorb radiation well. They normally appear light on a chest x ray. Your lungs, which are filled with air, normally appear dark.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"A disease in the chest changes how radiation is absorbed by the organs examined. Many abnormalities can be detected on a chest X-ray test.","conditions":["Pneumonia","Lung abscess","Pleural effusion","Pulmonary edema","Enlarged heart","Broken ribs or arm bones","Broken vertebrae or vertebral fractures","Dislocated shoulders","Scarring of lung tissue","Lung cancer or other lung masses","Tuberculosis","Atelectasis","Sarcoidosis","Pneumothorax","Hiatal hernia","Aortic aneurysm","Osteoporosis"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
X rays are electromagnetic waves. They use ionizing radiation to create pictures of the inside of your body. A chest x ray takes pictures of the inside of your chest. The different tissues in your chest absorb different amounts of radiation. Your ribs and spine are bony and absorb radiation well. They normally appear light on a chest x ray. Your lungs, which are filled with air, normally appear dark.
Related conditions
A chest x ray is a painless, noninvasive test that creates pictures of the structures inside your chest, such as your heart, lungs, and blood vessels. "Noninvasive" means that no surgery is done and no instruments are inserted into your body. This test is done to find the cause of symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), and fever.
Chest x rays help doctors diagnose conditions such as pneumonia (nu-MO-ne-ah), heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, and sarcoidosis (sar-koy-DO-sis). Doctors also may use chest x rays to see how well treatments for certain conditions are working. Also, doctors often use chest x rays before surgery to look at the structures in the chest.
Chest x rays are the most common x-ray test used to diagnose health problems.
Doctors may recommend chest x rays for people who have symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, chronic cough (a cough that lasts a long time), or fever. The test can help find the cause of these symptoms.
Chest x rays look for conditions such as pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis. The test also is used to check how well treatments for certain conditions are working.
Chest x rays also are used to evaluate people who test positive for tuberculosis (tu-ber-kyu-LO-sis) exposure on skin tests.
Sometimes, doctors recommend more chest x rays within hours, days, or months of an earlier chest x ray. This allows them to follow up on a condition.
People who are having certain types of surgery also may need chest x rays. Doctors often use the test before surgery to look at the structures inside the chest.
Depending on your doctor's request, you'll stand, sit, or lie for the chest x ray. The technician will help position you correctly. He or she may cover you with a heavy lead apron to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The x-ray equipment usually consists of two parts. One part, a box-like machine, holds the x-ray film or a special plate that records the picture digitally. You'll sit or stand next to this machine. The second part is the x-ray tube, which is located about 6 feet away.
Before the pictures are taken, the technician will walk behind a wall or into the next room to turn on the x-ray machine. This helps reduce his or her exposure to the radiation.
Usually, two views of the chest are taken. The first is a view from the back. The second is a view from the side.
For a view from the back, you'll sit or stand so that your chest rests against the image plate. The x-ray tube will be behind you. For the side view, you'll turn to your side and raise your arms above your head.
If you need to lie down for the test, you'll lie on a table that contains the x-ray film or plate. The x-ray tube will be over the table.
You'll need to hold very still while the pictures are taken. The technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. These steps help prevent a blurry picture.
Although the test is painless, you may feel some discomfort from the coolness of the exam room and the x-ray plate. If you have arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders, or arms, you may feel discomfort holding a position during the test. The technician may be able to help you find a more comfortable position.
When the test is done, you'll need to wait while the technician checks the quality of the x-ray pictures. He or she needs to make sure that the pictures are good enough for the doctor to use.
You don't have to do anything special to prepare for a chest x ray. However, you may want to wear a shirt that's easy to take off. Before the test, you'll be asked to undress from the waist up and wear a gown.
You also may want to avoid wearing jewelry and other metal objects. You'll be asked to take off any jewelry, eyeglasses, and metal objects that might interfere with the x-ray picture. Let the x-ray technician (a person specially trained to do x-ray tests) know if you have any body piercings on your chest.
Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or may be pregnant. In general, women should avoid all x-ray tests during pregnancy. Sometimes, though, having an x ray is important to the health of the mother and fetus. If an x ray is needed, the technician will take extra steps to protect the fetus from radiation.
Chest x rays have few risks. The amount of radiation used in a chest x ray is very small. A lead apron may be used to protect certain parts of your body from the radiation.
The test gives out a radiation dose similar to the amount of radiation you're naturally exposed to over 10 days.
Chest x rays show the structures in and around the chest. The test is used to look for and track conditions of the heart, lungs, bones, and chest cavity. For example, chest x-ray pictures may show signs of pneumonia, heart failure, lung cancer, lung tissue scarring, or sarcoidosis.
Chest x rays do have limits. They only show conditions that change the size of tissues in the chest or how the tissues absorb radiation. Also, chest x rays create two-dimensional pictures. This means that denser structures, like bone or the heart, may hide some signs of disease. Very small areas of cancer and blood clots in the lungs usually don't show up on chest x rays.
For these reasons, your doctor may recommend other tests to confirm a diagnosis.
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/chest-x-ray [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003804.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/chestrad [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
https://www.emedicinehealth.com/chest_x-ray/article_em.htm [accessed on Aug 25, 2021]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (50)
Chest X-Ray Basics in 5 min
Video by Nick Smith/YouTube
How X-rays see through your skin - Ge Wang
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
What causes Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and who is at Risk?
Chest X-ray of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI syndrome) compared to chest X-ray of the same subject afterwards.
Image by Altaf Gauhar Haji, Shekhar Sharma, DK Vijaykumar and Jerry Paul
Tuberculosis X-ray
An anteroposterior X-ray of a patient diagnosed with advanced bilateral pulmonary tuberculosis. This AP X-ray of the chest reveals the presence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrate (white triangles), and caving forma.
Image by CDC / Der Lange
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
This highly-magnified, 1981 transmission electron microscopic (TEM) image, reveals some of the morphologic traits exhibited by a human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The virion is variable in shape, and size, with an average diameter between 120-300nm. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia among infants and children, under 1-year of age.
Image by CDC/ E. L. Palmer
Q Fever Pneumonia X-ray
Combination of two x-rays (A) normal chest x-ray (B) x-ray documenting Q fever pneumonia.
Image by US Gov
Chest X Ray
A Lateral Chest X-Ray with the heart shadow outlined.
Image by US Army
Projectional radiography
Image relating focal spot size to geometric unsharpness in projectional radiography.
Image by Source images by Blausen Medical and LadyofHats (Mariana Ruiz Villarreal) Derivative by Mikael Haggstrom
Chest Radiograph
Chest X-Ray : Specialized test, like a computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to confirm the presence of an aneurysm.
Image by TheVisualMD
X-ray of Healthy Lung
This image shows an x-ray of healthy lungs.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cancer screening
Cancer Imaging: X-Rays : Chest X-rays can be used to show the presence of tumors, as for lung cancer, but they may also indicate problems associated with cancer. An X-ray may produce images suggestive of fluid accumulation, masses, or enlarged lymph nodes.
Image by TheVisualMD
Lung Cancer
Chest X-ray (Cancer): This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute
Chest X Ray
Mediastinal structures on a chest radiograph.
Image by Mikael Haggstrom, from source images by ZooFari, Stillwaterising and Gray's Anatomy creators
CT Chest Scan of Pleura effusion
CT scan of chest showing loculated pleural effusion in left side. Some thickening of pleura is also noted. From my personal collection. Permission obtained from patient.
Image by Drriad
Chest X-ray (Cancer)
This is an x-ray image of a chest. Both sides of the lungs are visible with a growth on the left side of the lung, which could possibly be lung cancer.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Photographer
This browser does not support the video element.
CT Scans (VIDEO)
This video shows how modern science of scanning can expose the health condition of the patient. The video starts with a patient undergoing CT scanning, an x-ray procedure that combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body. Visible are the heart, lungs, and arteries of a patient.
Video by TheVisualMD
Chest X-Ray
Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings
Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Gallstones
Gallstones as seen on plain x-ray.
Image by James Heilman, MD
Hemoptysis x-ray
Hemoptysis can be discovered with the help of radiology.
Image by Aidan Jones from Oxford, U.K.
X-ray of Lung with Pulmonary Edema
Within the lungs, the main airways (bronchi) branch off into smaller passageways, the smallest of which are called bronchioles. At the end of the bronchioles are tiny air sacs (alveoli). Pulmonary edema is a condition caused when excess fluid collects in these air sacs, making it difficult to breathe. Fluid in the lungs can be caused by pneumonia, acute respiratory distress and other conditions, but in most cases, the cause of pulmonary edema is heart problems (when a damaged heart can't pump enough blood and fluid leaks into the lungs).
Image by TheVisualMD
What To Expect During and After Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Surgery
A normal chest X-ray after placement of an ICD, showing the ICD generator in the upper left chest and the ICD lead in the right ventricle of the heart. Note the 2 opaque coils along the ICD lead.
Image by Gregory Marcus, MD, MAS, FACC
This browser does not support the video element.
Chest X-ray: NCI B-roll [video]
NCI B-roll of a patient receiving a Chest X-ray. This video is silent.
Video by National Cancer Institute (NCI)
X-Ray of Aneurysm within Chest frontal view
Most aneurysms are detected in the course of an exam, such as a physical exam or a chest X-ray, being performed for a different reason.
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural Effusion: Tests
Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.Pleural effusion Chest x-ray of a pleural effusion. The arrow A shows fluid layering in the right pleural cavity. The B arrow shows the normal width of the lung in the cavity. A pleural effusion: as seen on chest X-ray. The A arrow indicates fluid layering in the right chest. The B arrow indicates the width of the right lung. The volume of the lung is reduced because of the collection of fluid around the lung.
Image by CDC InvictaHOG
Coccidioidomycosis
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed pulmonary changes indicative of pulmonary fibrosis in a case of coccidioidomycosis, caused by fungal organisms of the genus, Coccidioides. Because these changes also resemble those seen in other lung infections including tuberculosis, the findings uncovered with a chest x-ray needs to be coupled with serologic testing, as well as possible tissue biopsy. The degree of fibrotic changes, indicative of scarring found on x-ray, can be directly correlated to the severity of the fungal infection.
Image by CDC/ Dr. Lucille K. Georg
How Is Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) Diagnosed?
Chest X-Ray: Acute respiratory distress syndrome on plain Xray
Image by James Heilman, MD
How Are Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases Diagnosed?
Early Asbestosis in a Retired Pipe Fitter : Chest X-ray in asbestosis shows plaques above diaphragm
Image by Clinical Cases
Aspergillosis
This was a photomicrograph of a lung tissue specimen, harvested from a caged, sulfur-crested cockatoo, that depicted some of the histopathologic changes that had been caused by the fungal organism, Aspergillus fumigatus, in a case of avian pulmonary aspergillosis. Here, you are able see how the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain, revealed A. fumigatus ultrastructural morphology including conidial heads and mycelium.
Image by CDC/ Dr. William Kaplan
Pleural Effusion - Defined
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by Drriad
Pleural Effusion: Tests
A large left sided pleural effusion as seen on an upright chest X-ray
Image by James Heilman MD
Breast implants
Chest X-ray showing breast implants
Image by James Heilman
Living With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
No cure is available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) yet. Your symptoms may get worse over time. As your symptoms worsen, you may not be able to do many of the things that you did before you had IPF.
However, lifestyle changes and ongoing care can help you manage the disease.
If you're still smoking, the most important thing you can do is quit. Talk with your doctor about programs and products that can help you quit. Also, try to avoid secondhand smoke. Ask family members and friends not to smoke in front of you or in your home, car, or workplace.
Image by Drriad
Symptoms and Spread of SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome)
A chest x-ray showing increased opacity in both lungs, indicative of pneumonia, in a patient with SARS.
Image by CDC
Chilaiditi syndrome
Chest X-ray showing obvious Chilaiditi's sign, or presence of gas in the right colic angle between the liver and right hemidiaphragm (left side of the image).
Piper's Sign: In days gone by the lateral chest x-ray (demonstrating greater opacity in the aortic arch and descending aorta than the thoracic spine) gave an indication to the degree of calcified plaque burden a patient had. This has been known as Piper's sign and can often be seen in elderly persons particularly those with concomitant osteoporosis.
Image by U4077905
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Image by Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Image by Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Chest X-ray of a 76 year old woman, who developed cough and labored breathing. First testing showed influenza B virus, and later a nasopharyngeal swab detected Haemophilus influenzae. The H influenzae presumably developed as an opportunistic infection secondary to the flu. This X-ray was taken 2 weeks after cultures and start of antibiotics, showing delayed pneumonic infiltrates that were only vaguely visible on initial (not shown) X-rays.
Image by Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
(a) Ringworm presents as a red ring on skin; (b) Trichophyton violaceum, shown in this bright field light micrograph, causes superficial mycoses on the scalp; (c) Histoplasma capsulatum is an ascomycete that infects airways and causes symptoms similar to influenza. (credit a: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit b: modification of work by Dr. Lucille K. Georg, CDC; credit c: modification of work by M. Renz, CDC; scale-bar data from Matt Russell)
Image by CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
Pneumocystis jirovecii is the causative agent of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), one of the most frequent and severe opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients. Pneumocystis organisms represent a large group of species of atypical fungi with universal distribution and pulmonary tropism, and each species has a strong specificity for a given mammalian host species.
Image by CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Image by Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
PA view Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child. Released per permission of mother.
Image by Samir (talk)
Chest X Ray
Structures shown: Air-filled trachea and lungs Diaphragmatic domes Mediastinal structures Vascular markings. Arrows indicate costophrenic angles
Image by US Army
Thoracic diaphragm
X-ray of chest, showing top of diaphragm.
Image by OpenStax College
Chest X Ray
Roentgenogram or Medical X-ray image. May not be to scale.
Aspect of a bulky thymoma (red circle) on the chest x-ray.
Stockholm
Lambert–Eaton myasthenic syndrome-Chest X-ray showing a tumor in the left lung (right side of the image)
Lange123 at German Wikipedia
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenza
Mikael Häggström
Chest X-ray in influenza and Haemophilus influenzae, lateral
Mikael Häggström
Fungal Parasites and Pathogens
CNX Openstax
This anteroposterior (AP) chest x-ray revealed radiologic evidence of pulmonary pneumocystosis in the form of bilateral pulmonary interstitial infiltrates. This infection was due to the presence of an opportunistic fungal infection by the fungal organism Pneumocystis jirovecii, formerly known as Pneumocystis carinii. (This image was provided by Jonathan W.M. Gold. M.D., Assoc. Dir. Special Microbiology Lab, Assist. Attending Physician, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Assist. Prof. of Medicine, Cornell Univ. Med. College, New York.)
CDC/ Jonathan W.M. Gold, MD
Chest X-ray PA inverted and enhanced
Stillwaterising
Chest X-Ray of Canadian dollar coin in esophagus of child
Patrick J. Lynch, medical illustrator; C. Carl Jaffe, MD, cardiologist.
7:02
Reading a chest X-ray
Osmosis/YouTube
Chest X-ray of transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI syndrome) compared to chest X-ray of the same subject afterwards.
Altaf Gauhar Haji, Shekhar Sharma, DK Vijaykumar and Jerry Paul
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiogram
Also called: EKG, ECG
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures electrical signals in your heart. An abnormal EKG can be a sign of heart damage or disease.
Electrocardiogram
Also called: EKG, ECG
An electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test that measures electrical signals in your heart. An abnormal EKG can be a sign of heart damage or disease.
{"label":"Electrocardiogram Reference Range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"EKG results are normal with a consistent heartbeat and rhythm. ","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"The EKG identified an abnormal heart rhythm.","conditions":["Arrhythmia","Tachycardia","Bradycardia","Myocardial ischemia","Aneurysm","Atherosclerosis","Heart attack"]}],"value":0.5}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
EKG results are normal with a consistent heartbeat and rhythm.
Related conditions
An electrocardiogram (EKG) test is a simple, painless, and quick test that records your heart's electrical activity. Each time your heart beats, an electrical signal travels through your heart. The signal triggers your heart's four chambers to contract (squeeze) in the proper rhythm so that your heart can pump blood to your body.
An EKG recording of these signals looks like wavy lines. Your provider can read these lines to look for abnormal heart activity that may be a sign of heart disease or damage.
An EKG can show:
How fast your heart is beating
Whether the rhythm of your heartbeat is steady or irregular
The strength and timing of the electrical signals passing through each part of your heart
Sometimes information from an EKG can help measure the size and position of your heart's chambers.
An EKG is often the first test you'll have if you have signs of a heart condition. It may be done in your provider's office, an outpatient clinic, in a hospital before surgery, or as part of another heart test called a stress test.
An EKG test is also called an ECG. EKG is based on the German spelling, elektrokardiogramm. EKG may be preferred over ECG to avoid confusion with an EEG, a test that measures brain waves.
An EKG test is used to help diagnose and monitor many types of heart conditions and their treatment. These conditions include:
Arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathy
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Heart failure
Heart valve diseases
Congenital heart defects
EKG tests are mainly used for people who have symptoms of a heart condition or have already been diagnosed with a heart condition. They are not generally used to screen people who don't have symptoms unless they have an increased risk of developing heart disease. Your provider can explain your risk for heart disease and let you know if need to have an EKG test. In certain cases, your provider may have you see a cardiologist, a doctor who specializes in heart diseases.
You may need an EKG test if you have symptoms of a heart condition, including:
Chest pain
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Fatigue
A decrease in your ability to exercise
You may also need an EKG to:
Find out if you had a heart attack in the past but didn't know it
Monitor your heart if you have a known heart condition
Check how well your heart treatment is working, including medicine and/or a pacemaker
Check your heart health:
Before having surgery
If you have an increased risk for developing heart disease because:
Heart disease runs in your family
You have another condition, such as diabetes, that makes your risk higher than normal
An EKG test only takes a few minutes. It generally includes these steps:
You will lie on an exam table.
A provider will place several electrodes (small sensors that stick to your skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. The provider may need to shave body hair to make sure the electrodes stay on.
The electrodes are attached by wires to a computer or a special EKG machine
You will lie very still while your heart's electrical activity is recorded on a computer or printed on paper by an EKG machine.
You don't need any special preparations for an EKG test.
There is very little risk to having an EKG. You may feel a little discomfort or skin irritation after the electrodes are removed. The EKG doesn't send any electricity to your body. It only records electrical signals from your heart, so there's no risk of electric shock.
Your provider will check your EKG results for a steady heartbeat and rhythm. If your results are not normal, it may be a sign of a heart condition. The specific condition depends on which part of your EKG wasn't normal.
You may need to have other heart health tests before your provider can make a diagnosis. Your provider can explain what your test results mean for your heart health and treatment.
An EKG is a "snapshot" of your heart's activity over a very short time. If you have heart symptoms that come and go, a regular EKG may not catch the problem. In that case, your provider may recommend that you wear a small portable EKG monitor that can record your heart for days or longer while you do your normal activities. You may also need a longer EKG recording if your provider wants to check how well your heart is working after a heart attack or to see if treatment is helping you.
There are many types of long-term EKG monitors. The two main groups are Holter monitors, which can be worn for up to two days, and event monitors, which may record your heart activity for weeks to years depending on the type.
A Holter monitor is about the size of a small camera. You usually wear it on a belt or strap around your neck for a day or two. Wires under your clothes attach to electrodes that stick to your chest. The monitor records your heart's electrical signals the whole time you're wearing it. You may be asked to keep a diary of your symptoms during the test period. After the test period, you remove the monitor and return it according to the instructions. A provider will review the recording of your heart's electrical activity from the monitor.
An event monitor records your heart's electrical activity when you press a button or when the device detects abnormal heart activity. There two main types of event monitors:
Event monitors that you wear or carry with you. You wear some monitors on your chest or wrist. Other monitors are designed to carry. If you have symptoms, you hold the monitor to your chest. These event monitors may be used for weeks to months. Some of them wirelessly transmit information about your heart to a provider. Others must be returned so a provider can examine the recorded information.
Event monitors that are inserted under the skin of your chest. These are called implantable event monitors. They are put under your skin during minor surgery that's often done in a doctor's office. These monitors can track your heart's electrical activity for years. You may need this type of EKG monitor if you had a stroke or frequent fainting, and your provider hasn't found the cause. Implantable monitors wirelessly transmit the information they record so your provider can regularly check it.
Electrocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Test [accessed on Mar 09, 2023]
Electrocardiogram: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Feb 04, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (35)
How to Read an Electrocardiogram (ECG): Introduction – Cardiology | Lecturio
Video by Lecturio Medical/YouTube
Major Types of Heart Block
Video by Jeff Otjen/YouTube
How An ECG Works
Video by LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
This browser does not support the video element.
What are Arrhythmias?
Your heart is electric. In this video you'll see how your heart's electrical system works, and what happens when it malfunctions. Voyage inside the human body as Dr. Mehmet Oz and others explain the dangers of heart arrhythmias, including tachycardia, bradycardia, and atrial fibrillation.
Video by TheVisualMD
12 Lead ECG Explained, Animation
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Bundle Branch Block, Animation.
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
QRS Transitional Zone. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
ECG Interpretation Basics - ST Segment Changes. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Cardiac Axis Interpretation. See link for real voice update in description!
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Electrical system of the heart | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Cardiovascular | EKG Basics
Video by Ninja Nerd/YouTube
Cardiovascular | EKG's
Video by Ninja Nerd/YouTube
Normal sinus rhythm on an EKG | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Cardiac Conduction System and Understanding ECG, Animation.
Video by Alila Medical Media/YouTube
Willem Einthoven and the ECG - Stuff of Genius
Video by Stuff of Genius - HowStuffWorks/YouTube
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A useful tool for determining whether a person has heart disease, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart. An ECG, which is painless (no electricity is sent through the body), is used to measure damage to the heart, how fast the heart is beating and whether it is beating normally, the effects of drugs or devices used to control the heart (such as a pacemaker), and the size and position of the heart chambers.
Image by TheVisualMD
Cardiac cycle
Cardiac Cycle vs Electrocardiogram
Image by OpenStax College
Medical Checkups
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram
Electrocardiograms (EKGs) are the most commonly given test used to diagnose coronary artery disease. They record the heart's electrical activity and show evidence of angina or heart attack.
Image by TheVisualMD
electrocardiogram-illustration made up from Medications
A normal tracing shows the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave. Also indicated are the PR, QT, QRS, and ST intervals, plus the P-R and S-T segments.
Image by CNX Openstax
What To Expect After an Electrocardiogram
Normal ECG/EKG complex with labels
Image by Derivative: Hazmat2 Original: Hank van Helvete
Cardiac Stress Test
The image shows a patient having a stress test. Electrodes are attached to the patient's chest and connected to an EKG (electrocardiogram) machine. The EKG records the heart's electrical activity. A blood pressure cuff is used to record the patient's blood pressure while he walks on a treadmill.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Relationship between the Cardiac Cycle and ECG
Initially, both the atria and ventricles are relaxed (diastole). The P wave represents depolarization of the atria and is followed by atrial contraction (systole). Atrial systole extends until the QRS complex, at which point, the atria relax. The QRS complex represents depolarization of the ventricles and is followed by ventricular contraction. The T wave represents the repolarization of the ventricles and marks the beginning of ventricular relaxation.
Image by CNX Openstax
The Electric Heart
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Electrocardiogram (EKG) is a test used to measure the electrical activity of the heart.
Image by U.S. National Library of Medicine
Comparison of Arrhythmia and Normal ECG
As the muscle tissue in an overstressed heart expands, it tears and scars. The resulting tissue - hardened and marred - does not conduct electricity well. The result is that the system can no longer be relied on to deliver the carefully synchronized pattern of jolts needed to keep the heart pumping smoothly. Doctors call it \"arrhythmia.\" The heart is literally \"skipping a beat.\" This can be measured by an electrocardiogram (ECG). In some cases, arrhythmia can mean simply that the heartbeat is too fast or too slow - a bothersome but not necessarily life-threatening condition. In the worst cases, the arrhythmia indicates a potentially lethal instability in the heart's electric system. The signals that control the heart's contractions get crossed and the heart spasms. If not corrected immediately, this fibrillation of the heart is often fatal. In the U.S., more than 1,000 people die every day from sudden cardiac death, or cardiac arrest.
Image by TheVisualMD
Heart Revealing Chamber and Valve
Your heart beats faster or slower depending on information from your brain, which monitors your body's need for blood. However, the basic rhythm of your heart is automatic; it does not depend on signals from your brain. Your heart cells can generate their own electrical signals, which trigger the contractions and cause the entire heart to pump in synchrony. A specialized bundle of muscle and nerve cells called the sinoatrial node (SA node) sits at the top of the right atrium and is the pacemaker of the heart. It generates the signal for the atria to contract and send blood to the ventricles. A similar node - the atrioventricular or AV node - sits at the atrioventricular septum near the bottom of the right atrium and relays the signal from the SA node to the ventricles to contract and pump blood out of the heart. An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures the electrical signals given off by these two nodes and their conduction through the heart. By looking at the frequency and the height of the peaks and valleys of these signals on an ECG, healthcare professionals get a very good idea of how well the electrical system of your heart is working.
Image by TheVisualMD
Electrocardigram
An electrocardiogram (EKG) detects and records the heart's electrical activity. When the electrical impulse passes through the atria a small peak is recorded (P), followed by a steep spike as it erupts through the ventricles (R), and then another small peak (T) as the wave passes through and the heart repolarizes (recharges) itself for the next beat.
Image by TheVisualMD
Electro- cardiogram
Electrocardiograms, or EKGs, record the electrical activity of the heart. Since injured heart muscle conducts electrical impulses abnormally, the EKG shows if the patient has had or is having a heart attack. It is usually the first test performed.
Image by TheVisualMD
SinusRhythmLabels
Schematic diagram of normal sinus rhythm for a human heart as seen on ECG. In atrial fibrillation, however, the P waves, which represent depolarization of the atria, are absent.
Image by Agateller (Anthony Atkielski)
How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator
The image shows a typical setup using an automated external defibrillator (AED). The AED has step-by-step instructions and voice prompts that enable an untrained bystander to correctly use the machine.
Image by National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
Lead II (2) ECG EKG strip of an AICD ICD converting a patient back into thier baseline cardiac ryhthm. The AICD fires near the end of the strip, where the straight line is seen.
Image by Public Domain
Cardiac Cycle
CG Animated Human Heart cut section showing the atria, ventricles and valves, synced with wiggers diagram.
Image by DrJanaOfficial/Wikimedia
Mammalian Heart and Blood Vessels
The beating of the heart is regulated by an electrical impulse that causes the characteristic reading of an ECG. The signal is initiated at the sinoatrial valve. The signal then (a) spreads to the atria, causing them to contract. The signal is (b) delayed at the atrioventricular node before it is passed on to the (c) heart apex. The delay allows the atria to relax before the (d) ventricles contract. The final part of the ECG cycle prepares the heart for the next beat.
Image by CNX Openstax
9:53
How to Read an Electrocardiogram (ECG): Introduction – Cardiology | Lecturio
Lecturio Medical/YouTube
9:23
Major Types of Heart Block
Jeff Otjen/YouTube
2:45
How An ECG Works
LivingHealthyChicago/YouTube
3:27
What are Arrhythmias?
TheVisualMD
3:27
12 Lead ECG Explained, Animation
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:48
Bundle Branch Block, Animation.
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:50
QRS Transitional Zone. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
1:24
ECG Interpretation Basics - ST Segment Changes. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
3:32
Cardiac Axis Interpretation. See link for real voice update in description!
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
9:43
Electrical system of the heart | Circulatory system physiology | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
52:29
Cardiovascular | EKG Basics
Ninja Nerd/YouTube
20:37
Cardiovascular | EKG's
Ninja Nerd/YouTube
8:53
Normal sinus rhythm on an EKG | Circulatory System and Disease | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
khanacademymedicine/YouTube
3:45
Cardiac Conduction System and Understanding ECG, Animation.
Alila Medical Media/YouTube
1:46
Willem Einthoven and the ECG - Stuff of Genius
Stuff of Genius - HowStuffWorks/YouTube
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
TheVisualMD
Cardiac cycle
OpenStax College
Medical Checkups
TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram
TheVisualMD
electrocardiogram-illustration made up from Medications
GDJ
Electrocardiogram
CNX Openstax
What To Expect After an Electrocardiogram
Derivative: Hazmat2 Original: Hank van Helvete
Cardiac Stress Test
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Relationship between the Cardiac Cycle and ECG
CNX Openstax
The Electric Heart
TheVisualMD
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Comparison of Arrhythmia and Normal ECG
TheVisualMD
Heart Revealing Chamber and Valve
TheVisualMD
Electrocardigram
TheVisualMD
Electro- cardiogram
TheVisualMD
SinusRhythmLabels
Agateller (Anthony Atkielski)
How To Use an Automated External Defibrillator
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute
Who Needs an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator?
Public Domain
Cardiac Cycle
DrJanaOfficial/Wikimedia
Mammalian Heart and Blood Vessels
CNX Openstax
Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Also called: Bronchoscopy, Flexible Bronchoscopy, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Bronchoalveolar Washing
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube called a bronchoscope to look at the lungs. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a test that is sometimes done during a bronchoscopy. It is used to collect a fluid sample for testing.
Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Also called: Bronchoscopy, Flexible Bronchoscopy, Bronchoalveolar Lavage, Bronchoalveolar Washing
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses a thin tube called a bronchoscope to look at the lungs. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a test that is sometimes done during a bronchoscopy. It is used to collect a fluid sample for testing.
{"label":"Bronchoscopy reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"A normal result means that the large airway leading to the lungs and the breathing tubes in the lungs appear normal. No foreign substances or blockages are seen.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"An abnormal result may reveal tumors, signs of infection, excess mucus in the airways, bleeding, or blockages in the lungs.","conditions":["Infections","Lung damage","Lung cancer","Stenosis of the trachea or bronchi","Acute rejection after a lung transplant"]}],"value":0.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal result means that the large airway leading to the lungs and the breathing tubes in the lungs appear normal. No foreign substances or blockages are seen.
Related conditions
{"label":"Bronchial biopsy reference range","scale":"lin","step":0.25,"hideunits":true,"items":[{"flag":"normal","label":{"short":"Normal","long":"Normal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":0,"max":1},"text":"A normal or negative result means that the biopsied tissue is normal.","conditions":[]},{"flag":"abnormal","label":{"short":"Abnormal","long":"Abnormal","orientation":"horizontal"},"values":{"min":1,"max":2},"text":"A normal or positive result means that cancerous cells were found in the biopsied tissue.","conditions":["Lung cancer"]}],"value":0.5,"disclaimer":"Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are \"within normal limits.\""}[{"normal":0},{"abnormal":0}]
Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Normal.
A normal or negative result means that the biopsied tissue is normal.
Related conditions
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a health care provider to look at your lungs. It uses a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope. The tube is put through the mouth or nose and moved down the throat and into the airways. It helps diagnose and treat certain lung diseases.
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure that is sometimes done during a bronchoscopy. It is also called bronchoalveolar washing. BAL is used to collect a sample from the lungs for testing. During the procedure, a saline solution is put through the bronchoscope to wash the airways and capture a fluid sample.
Other names: flexible bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar washing
Bronchoscopy may be used to:
Find and treat growths or other blockages in the airways
Remove lung tumors
Control bleeding in the airway
Help find the cause of persistent cough
If you've already been diagnosed with lung cancer, the test can help show how severe it is.
Bronchoscopy with BAL is used to collect tissue for testing. These tests help diagnose different disorders of the lungs including:
Bacterial infections such as tuberculosis and bacterial pneumonia
Fungal infections
Lung cancer
One or both tests may be used if an imaging test showed a potential problem with the lungs.
You may need one or both tests if you have symptoms of a lung disease, such as:
Persistent cough
Trouble breathing
Coughing up blood
You may also need a BAL if you have an immune system disorder. Some immune system disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, can put you at higher risk for certain lung infections.
Bronchoscopy and BAL are often done by a pulmonologist. A pulmonologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating lung diseases.
A bronchoscopy usually includes the following steps:
You may need to remove some or all of your clothing. If so, you will be given a hospital gown.
You will recline in a chair that is like a dentist's chair or sit on a procedure table with your head raised.
You may get medicine (sedative) to help you relax. The medicine will be injected into a vein or given through an IV (intravenous) line that will be placed in your arm or hand.
Your provider will spray a numbing medicine in your mouth and throat, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure.
Your provider will insert the bronchoscope down your throat and into your airways.
As the bronchoscope is moved down, your provider will examine your lungs.
Your provider may perform other treatments at this time, such as removing a tumor or clearing a blockage.
At this point, you may also get a BAL.
During a BAL:
Your provider will put a small amount of saline through the bronchoscope.
After washing the airways, the saline is sucked up into the bronchoscope.
The saline solution will contain cells and other substances, such as bacteria, which will be taken to a lab for testing.
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before your procedure. Your provider will let you know how long you need to avoid food and drink.
You should also arrange to have someone drive you home. If you've been given a sedative, you may be drowsy for a few hours after your procedure.
There is very little risk to having a bronchoscopy or a BAL. The procedures may give you a sore throat for a few days. Serious complications are rare, but they may include bleeding in the airways, infection, or a collapsed part of a lung.
If your bronchoscopy results were not normal, it may mean you have a lung disorder such as:
A blockage, growth, or tumor in the airways
Narrowing of part of the airways
Lung damage due to an immune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis
If you had BAL and your lung sample results were not normal, it may mean you have lung cancer or a type of infection such as:
Tuberculosis
Bacterial pneumonia
Fungal infection
If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
In addition to BAL, there are other procedures that can be done during a bronchoscopy. These include:
Sputum culture. Sputum is a thick type of mucus made in your lungs. It is different than spit or saliva. A sputum culture checks for certain types of infections.
Laser therapy or radiation to treat tumors or cancer
Treatment to control bleeding in the lungs
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchoscopy [accessed on Mar 22, 2019]
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003857.htm [accessed on Mar 22, 2019]
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/pulmonary/bronchoscopy_92,p07743 [accessed on Mar 22, 2019]
https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/lungs-breathing/bronchoscopy [accessed on Mar 22, 2019]
https://www.cdc.gov/tb/education/corecurr/pdf/chapter4.pdf#page12 [accessed on Sep 17, 2019]
Additional Materials (20)
Bronchoscopy
Video by Tan Tock Seng Hospital/YouTube
Bronchoscopy - examination of your airways (English version)
Video by Longkanker Nederland/YouTube
Intro to Bronchoscopy: Risks, indications, contraindications and obtaining consent -- BAVLS
Video by American Thoracic Society/YouTube
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Bronchoscopy
Seen is a Caucasian male physician using a bronchoscope which is a flexible tube with a light inside and is inserted into the patient's trachea. Doctors can view inside the body through the tube allowing easier access to removal of tumors.
Image by National Cancer Institute / Unknown Photographer
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
What To Expect Before, During and After a Bronchoscopy
Diagram showing a bronchoscopy.
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Rigid bronchoscopy
Rigid bronchoscopy
Image by JBARRETO
Small Cell Lung Cancer
There is extensive growth of small cell lung carcinoma on the pleural surface of one lung simulating the appearance of mesothelioma.
Image by Yale Rosen from USA
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
What Does Bronchoscopy Show?
Lung cancer in the left. bronchus as seen with a bronchoscope.
Image by JHeuser
Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
Video by Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi/YouTube
EBUS guide for patients: bronchoscopy technique for chest abnormalities
Video by astrazeneca/YouTube
Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy
Video by Gundersen Health System/YouTube
Robotic bronchoscopy - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Bronchoscopy Procedure, South West Acute Hospital
Video by WesternTrust/YouTube
Using a Bronchial Scope for a Bronchoscopy at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri
Video by Christian Hospital/YouTube
Bronchoscopy & Lung Nodule Biopsy | Fox Chase Cancer Center
Video by Fox Chase Cancer Center/YouTube
All About Bronchoscopy
Video by Singapore General Hospital/YouTube
Bronchoscopic Foreign Body Removal -- BAVLS
Video by American Thoracic Society/YouTube
Sedation for Bronchoscopy (English version)
Video by Longkanker Nederland/YouTube
What happens during a bronchoscopy?
Video by Top Doctors UK/YouTube
Bronchoscopy Patient Journey at the Royal Berkshire Hospital
Video by Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube
3:12
Bronchoscopy
Tan Tock Seng Hospital/YouTube
1:58
Bronchoscopy - examination of your airways (English version)
Longkanker Nederland/YouTube
7:31
Intro to Bronchoscopy: Risks, indications, contraindications and obtaining consent -- BAVLS
American Thoracic Society/YouTube
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
Bronchoscopy
National Cancer Institute / Unknown Photographer
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
What To Expect Before, During and After a Bronchoscopy
Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
Rigid bronchoscopy
JBARRETO
Small Cell Lung Cancer
Yale Rosen from USA
Sensitive content
This media may include sensitive content
What Does Bronchoscopy Show?
JHeuser
3:37
Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi/YouTube
7:32
EBUS guide for patients: bronchoscopy technique for chest abnormalities
astrazeneca/YouTube
2:09
Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy
Gundersen Health System/YouTube
4:43
Robotic bronchoscopy - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
9:06
Bronchoscopy Procedure, South West Acute Hospital
WesternTrust/YouTube
5:31
Using a Bronchial Scope for a Bronchoscopy at Christian Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri
Christian Hospital/YouTube
4:25
Bronchoscopy & Lung Nodule Biopsy | Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center/YouTube
3:36
All About Bronchoscopy
Singapore General Hospital/YouTube
6:02
Bronchoscopic Foreign Body Removal -- BAVLS
American Thoracic Society/YouTube
2:51
Sedation for Bronchoscopy (English version)
Longkanker Nederland/YouTube
2:18
What happens during a bronchoscopy?
Top Doctors UK/YouTube
7:13
Bronchoscopy Patient Journey at the Royal Berkshire Hospital
Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust/YouTube
Treatment
Pleurodesis
Image by BruceBlaus/Wikimedia
Pleurodesis
An illustration depicting pleurodesis.
Image by BruceBlaus/Wikimedia
Pleural Disorders - Treatment
How your pleural disorder is treated depends on what type of pleural disorder you have and how severe it is. Some pleural disorders go away without treatment. Others will require a procedure to remove air, fluid, or other material from the pleural space. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying condition.
Medicines
Your doctor may recommend medicine to treat symptoms or causes of your pleural disorder, including:
Antibiotics, antifungals, or antiparasitic medicines to treat an infection in the pleural space or in the lung
Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Corticosteroids can have serious side effects with long-term use.
Morphine in low doses to treat chronic shortness of breath. This medicine has a risk of addiction.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofento reduce pain and inflammation
Procedures and other treatments
Your doctor may perform one or more procedures to treat a pleural disorder. Many of these procedures are performed using ultrasound.
Chest tube to drain fluid, blood, or air from the pleural space. This process can take several days. You may stay in the hospital while the tube is in place.
Heimlich valve to prevent fluid and air from getting into your chest when you breathe in.Your doctor may attach this one-way valve to a chest tube or indwelling pleural catheter (IPC), which allows you to move around more and may allow you to go home to wait for your lung to re-expand.
IPC, or indwelling pleural catheter, to drain pleural fluid. An IPC is a semi-permanent thin tube that is left in place so patients or caregivers can drain the fluid, usually a few times a week.
Injectionof medicines into the pleural space to break up material that cannot be removed with a needle or drained through a chest tube
One-way endobronchial valve implanted in one of your bronchial tubesto allow air to exit the pleural space but not reenter
Oxygen therapy for pneumothorax
Pleurodesis to close up the pleural space by helping the two sides of the pleura stick together. For this procedure, your doctor will drain all of the fluid out of your chest through a chest tube. Then he or she will push a substance through the chest tube into the pleural space. The substance will irritate the surface of the pleura and cause the two layers of the pleura to stick together, preventing more fluid from building up.
Surgery to remove fluid, pus, or blood clots that cannot be removed with a chest tube; to remove part of the pleura; to remove one or more ribs; or to close up the pleural space with a pleurodesis procedure
Thoracentesis toremove air, blood, or other fluid from the pleural space with a needle. Possible complications include pneumothorax, pain, hemothorax and other bleeding, infection, and pulmonary edema. Complications are less likely if ultrasound is used to guide the procedure.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (7)
Chest Tube and Pneumothorax? (TMC Practice Question) | Respiratory Therapy Zone
Video by Respiratory Therapy Zone/YouTube
Pneumothorax Nursing, Pathophysiology, Interventions | Open vs Closed vs Tension Pneumothorax
Video by RegisteredNurseRN/YouTube
Pneumothorax and Chest Tube
Video by Learning in 10/YouTube
Decompressing a tension pneumothorax
Video by Medmastery/YouTube
Pleural effusion diagnosis and treatment | Respiratory system diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Video by khanacademymedicine/YouTube
Managing Malignant Pleural Effusions: Pleurodesis
Video by GRACE - Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education/YouTube
GRACE - Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education/YouTube
Prevention
Stop Smoking and drinking
Image by TheVisualMD
Stop Smoking and drinking
Stop Smoking and drinking
Image by TheVisualMD
Pleural Disorders - Screening and Prevention
There are no methods to screen for pleural disorders. If you have risk factors for pleural disorders, your doctor may recommend preventive strategies.
Prevention strategies
Learn about the preventive strategies your doctor may recommend.
Treating conditions that increase the risk of pleural disorders
Quitting smoking. For free help quitting smoking, you may call the National Cancer Institute’s Smoking Quitline at 1-877-44U-QUIT (1-877-448-7848).
Quitting or avoiding illegal drugs, such as marijuana
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Additional Materials (4)
Why is Smoking addictive and How to quit smoking?
Video by Tiny Medicine/YouTube
This Is The Best Way To Quit Smoking
Video by Seeker/YouTube
How To Quit Smoking (Health Guru)
Video by Healthguru/YouTube
What is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Quit Smoking?
Video by DocMikeEvans/YouTube
3:18
Why is Smoking addictive and How to quit smoking?
Tiny Medicine/YouTube
4:09
This Is The Best Way To Quit Smoking
Seeker/YouTube
3:26
How To Quit Smoking (Health Guru)
Healthguru/YouTube
12:48
What is the Single Best Thing You Can Do to Quit Smoking?
DocMikeEvans/YouTube
Life After
Do Not Fly
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors
Do Not Fly
Do Not Fly
Image by OpenClipart-Vectors
Pleural Disorders - Life After
As you recover from your treatment for a pleural disorder, it is important to follow your treatment plan. You may need to follow up with your doctor regularly to monitor your condition. You will also want to take steps to prevent complications or a repeat pleural disorder.
Receive routine follow-up care
If your pleural disorder is caused by a disease such as COPD, be sure to follow the treatment plan for that condition.
Talk to your doctor about how often you need to schedule follow-up visits. To monitor your condition, your doctor may recommend a chest X-ray six weeks after treatment.
See your doctor a few weeks after a pneumothorax to make sure it has cleared up.
If you have a Heimlich valve, ask your doctor how often it needs to be inspected by a healthcare provider.
If you have an IPC to drain pleural fluid, it may stay in for a few months or longer. Infection is possible around the insertion site, but infections can usually be treated without removing the IPC.
Prevent a repeat spontaneous pneumothorax event
After a spontaneous pneumothorax, you are at risk of having another spontaneous pneumothorax. People who have underlying lung disease are more likely to have another spontaneous pneumothorax.
Quitting smoking if you smoke and not starting if you do not smoke can help reduce your risk.
Learn the warning signs of serious complications and have a plan
If you have severe chest pain or trouble breathing, call 9-1-1. A tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening medical emergency.
Learn about other precautions to help you stay safe
If you have or have recently had a pneumothorax, your doctor may recommend the following precautions to help you stay safe.
Avoid strenuous exercise and contact sports until your doctor says it is safe.
Do not fly. Ask your doctor when it is safe again to fly.
Do not go scuba diving unless your doctor says you have zero risk of recurrence. If a pneumothorax recurs during diving, it can cause a tension pneumothorax, which is a life-threatening complication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor about how to manage your delivery so that the pneumothorax does not get worse. Also talk about whether you should have surgery later to prevent another pneumothorax in a future pregnancy.
Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Send this HealthJournal to your friends or across your social medias.
Pleural Disorders
Pleura is the tissue that wraps around the outside of your lungs. Pleural disorders include pleurisy, pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Learn about causes, risk factors, and treatment options for these conditions.