Test Results

[chuck059]

I had a CT scan shortness of breath to check for pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis. Both were negative. The scan showed up 4 things they found. My question for you is can you please explain these results to me so I can understand them.

1. Slight thickening of the wall of the distal esophagus.

2. there is a slight soft tissue thickening seen in the subcarinal region measuring 2.5 x 2.0 cm in size.

3. A few scattered 1 cm in size lymph nodes are noted in the mediastinum and right paratracheal regions.

4. Chronic diverticula in the sigmoid colon with no obvious evidence of diverticulitis.

Thanks very much for any answers I can get.

Chuck

[National Jewish]

Here are definitions of the medical words mentioned in the results.  I hope this helps you understand them.

1. Distal Esophageal Wall is the area of the food tube that is closest to the back.
2. Subcarinal Region is the area below where the windpipe branches off into each lung.
3a. Lymph Nodes are glands located along the lymph system.
3b. Mediastinum is the center of the chest under the breastbone.
3c. Paratracheal Region is the area around the windpipe.
4a. Diverticula are pouches along the lower colon or gut.
4b. Diverticulitis is inflammation of the diverticula.

You will need to check with your doctor to learn what affect, if any, these things may have on your health.

[starion]

Dear Chuck,
While I'm sure the LungLine nurse will answer your question, it is good for us to get OUR DOCS to explain the results of our tests & procedures, in plain English (without jargon).  Our docs can help put the results into context, since they have seen us in person & can tell us how this particular test/procedure fits with our history.
Aloha,
Starion