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Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Recent chest x-ray
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com

Recent chest x-ray

by aylwape, Jan 27, 2006 12:00AM
I am being treated with methotrexate for psoriatic arthritis.
The doctor ordered a chest xray for me and I do not fully understand the results.  These are the results:

The heart and mediastinum are normal. No
lymphadenopathy is seen. The lung fields are clear. No interstitial
infiltrates present. No effusions seen.

Anterior effusion is present in the low cervical spine

I don't quite understand the last sentence.  Could you help me to intrepret what it means?

Thanks,

by Kevin Pho, MD, Jan 28, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to interpret without seeing the film in front of me.  

From the wording, it suggests a fluid collection in front of (anterior) the lower part of the cervical spine.  It is unclear what this fluid collection could be (possibilities can include a cyst or abscess).

A CT scan of the affected area can give a more detailed diagnosis.

This option can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_b
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