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Respiratory Disorders (Expert Forum)
Question about Radiology report on Chest X-ray
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Question about Radiology report on Chest X-ray
by dnelson252, Feb 08, 2005 12:00AM
I had a chest x-ray for rales and this is the report given:
"There are faint linear opacities at both lung bases.This could represent atelectasis or scarring.The remainder of the lung field are clear and the heart borders are sharp.There is hyperinflation with flattening of the diaphragms on the lateral film.This is compatible with COPD.There is prominence of the left pumonary artery.This could be due to underlying pulmonary hypertension. Impression: 1.Hyperinflation suggestive of COPD with pulmonary hypertension secondary to prominent pulmonary arteries. 2.Linear opacities at both lung bases suggestive of linear atelectasis or scarring."
Could you please explain it to me in normal everyday terms? I am a 50 yr.old female who has smoked for the last 9 years approx. one pack a day. I quit cold turkey the day I went to Dr. 2 weeks ago for this x-ray.He told me I had double pneumonia and emphasema?I just don't understand the findings and need to know if I should see a specialist and what is the prognosis and future course of action for this diagnosis?? I guess what I really want to know is just how bad is this?? Thanks so much!!
"There are faint linear opacities at both lung bases.This could represent atelectasis or scarring.The remainder of the lung field are clear and the heart borders are sharp.There is hyperinflation with flattening of the diaphragms on the lateral film.This is compatible with COPD.There is prominence of the left pumonary artery.This could be due to underlying pulmonary hypertension. Impression: 1.Hyperinflation suggestive of COPD with pulmonary hypertension secondary to prominent pulmonary arteries. 2.Linear opacities at both lung bases suggestive of linear atelectasis or scarring."
Could you please explain it to me in normal everyday terms? I am a 50 yr.old female who has smoked for the last 9 years approx. one pack a day. I quit cold turkey the day I went to Dr. 2 weeks ago for this x-ray.He told me I had double pneumonia and emphasema?I just don't understand the findings and need to know if I should see a specialist and what is the prognosis and future course of action for this diagnosis?? I guess what I really want to know is just how bad is this?? Thanks so much!!
Doctor's Answer
by National Jewish, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
, Feb 14, 2005 12:00AM
Rales are not characteristic of emphysema. They can be heard with pneumonia, heart failure, lung scarring, and atelectasis. Enlargement of the pulmonary artery is usually associated with pulmonary hypertension. That is increased blood pressure in the pulmonary artery. There are a number of causes of pulmonary hypertension, including but not limited to COPD. Pulmonary hypertension is often a treatable condition that is aggravated by low oxygen levels.
You should see a pulmonary specialist, to sort out these diagnoses, find out how severe each is, and prescribe appropriate therapy.
At this time quitting smoking is the most important thing that you can do for yourself! Congratulations, you have made a wise decision to stop smoking! You may want to look at our Quit Smoking Topic Center at http://www.nationaljewish.org/topic/smoking_cessation.html for ways to help you stay smoke free. Also check with your doctor for other quit smoking resources in your area.
You should see a pulmonary specialist, to sort out these diagnoses, find out how severe each is, and prescribe appropriate therapy.
At this time quitting smoking is the most important thing that you can do for yourself! Congratulations, you have made a wise decision to stop smoking! You may want to look at our Quit Smoking Topic Center at http://www.nationaljewish.org/topic/smoking_cessation.html for ways to help you stay smoke free. Also check with your doctor for other quit smoking resources in your area.
Member Comments (2)
by OrthoRN, Feb 09, 2005 12:00AM
Radiology reports can be confusing.... From the sounds of things it's probably a good idea that you quit smoking. It might be wise for you to go back your health care provider to have them explain the results to you thoroughly...I don't think professionally I can comment on the report because your not a patient of mine, but it's is best to have these explained to you by a competent health care provider...
