Category: Radiology

Medical imaging, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, often reveals a variety of lung abnormalities, with a cavity containing an air-fluid level being a specific and often concerning finding. Pathologically, this appearance is created when necrotic tissue within the lung is expelled into an adjacent airway, leaving behind a space with both fluid and gas. Understanding **what causes a cavity with air-fluid level** is critical for accurate diagnosis and determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Calcifications appear on roughly half of all mammograms in women over age 50, highlighting just how common calcifications are in some parts of the body. These mineral deposits, often harmless, can sometimes signal an underlying health issue or disease process.

According to the American College of Radiology, radiologists complete extensive training, typically at least 13 years, to specialize in medical imaging techniques. While many assume one doctor handles the entire procedure, answering **which doctor performs a CT scan** is a team effort involving several key healthcare professionals, each with a distinct and vital role.

The mediastinum is a complex space in the chest containing vital organs, but its classification has evolved significantly to improve clinical communication. Traditional methods based on chest radiographs often caused confusion, which is why the International Thymic Malignancy Interest Group (ITMIG) developed a new, cross-sectional imaging-based system clarifying **what are the classification of mediastinal compartments** today.

Did you know the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is one of the most critical blood vessels in the abdomen, supplying blood to the pancreas and much of the intestines? Finding the SMA requires different maneuvers and techniques depending on whether the procedure is surgical or radiological. We explore what is the best maneuver to find the superior mesenteric artery in various medical scenarios.

In medical radiography, the posteroanterior (PA) view is the overwhelming standard for routine chest examinations in ambulatory patients, offering superior diagnostic results over the anteroposterior (AP) view. Understanding why is PA preferred over AP is crucial for appreciating the technical and diagnostic differences between these common imaging techniques.

In medical imaging, the lateral decubitus position is a specialized technique used for patients who cannot stand. A fundamental difference exists in how and why clinicians choose between the right and left lateral decubitus positions for specific diagnostic and procedural goals.

According to imaging studies, a sternal fracture is most clearly visible on a lateral x-ray view rather than a standard frontal chest view. This is because the primary reason for using a lateral projection of the sternum is to obtain a clear profile image of the bone, allowing for the diagnosis of fractures and the assessment of any associated displacement.

According to Yale Medicine, interventional radiology procedures can be safer, less painful, and less costly than traditional surgery, offering patients effective alternatives. In this context, the question arises: **can an interventional radiologist perform surgery**? The answer hinges on the definition of "surgery," as these specialists perform a wide array of minimally invasive procedures guided by medical imaging, rather than traditional open surgery involving large incisions.

Approximately 80-90% of all hospitalized patients receive IV therapy, and selecting the correct catheter for specific procedures like contrast-enhanced imaging is paramount for safety. So, can IV contrast go through a midline? The answer is not a simple yes or no; it depends on the catheter's specific design, as a standard midline is not built to withstand the high-pressure injection required for many radiological studies, whereas a power-injectable model is.