My cardiologist/internist recently ordered a chest x-ray due to a cough I've had for 2 months. After the radiologist's report, he wanted previous chest x-rays and an echocardiogram. I asked why all this for a cough. Apparently the radiologist saw something on the x-ray that suggested "pulmonary arterial hypertension". Well, I looked that up... and it ain't a pretty picture (pun intended).
When I reminded him that he did an echocardiogram 18 months earlier and it was normal, he decided I didn't need another one.
The radiologist's original report: "The heart is within normal limits for size. The hila are bilaterally prominent which may reflect vasculature. Correlation with prior chest radiograph, if available, would be helpful. There is no confluent infiltrate or pleural effusion. There is no mediastinal lymphadenopathy."
After viewing a 2 year previous x-ray the radiologist wrote: "The prominent hilar structures, consistent with vascular structures appear unchanged. Heart, mediastinum and bony structures are also stable."
I've researched basic terminology, but could you explain why they would think pulmonary arterial hypertension in the first place? I'm guessing it has to do with "prominent hila...reflect vasculature", but can't quite get it. Any insight would be appreciated.
Cheers -
Mt. Carmel