Anatomy and Pathology for Radiographers Flashcards

On a standard AP pelvis radiograph, the normal radiographic 'teardrop' (U-figure) represents:

Answer: The medial wall of the acetabulum and the floor of the acetabular fossa

The radiographic 'teardrop' (Kohler's teardrop figure) on AP pelvis radiography represents the medial wall and floor of the acetabulum, and is used to assess for medial displacement in acetabular fractures.

Which pathological finding on a chest radiograph is most consistent with a tension pneumothorax?

Answer: Tracheal and mediastinal shift away from the side of the pneumothorax with lung collapse

In tension pneumothorax, rising intrapleural pressure displaces the mediastinum and trachea away from the affected side, compresses the contralateral lung, and impairs venous return — a life-threatening emergency.

The 'boot-shaped heart' (coeur en sabot) appearance on a plain chest radiograph is classically associated with which congenital heart disease?

Answer: Tetralogy of Fallot

Tetralogy of Fallot produces the 'boot-shaped heart' on CXR: right ventricular hypertrophy lifts the apex, combined with a small pulmonary artery segment creates the characteristic appearance.

Wrist radiographs in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis classically show which triad of findings?

Answer: Periarticular osteoporosis, joint space narrowing, and marginal erosions

Rheumatoid arthritis classically produces periarticular osteoporosis, uniform joint space narrowing (from pannus erosion of cartilage), and marginal bone erosions — differentiating it from osteoarthritis.

On a lateral cervical spine radiograph, the prevertebral soft tissue space at C3 normally measures no more than:

Answer: 7 mm (or one-third the AP width of the adjacent vertebral body)

The prevertebral soft tissue at the C3 level should be ≤7 mm (approximately one-third the width of the adjacent cervical vertebral body) on a standard lateral cervical spine radiograph.

The 'Scotty dog' sign seen on oblique lumbar spine radiographs corresponds to which anatomical structures?

Answer: The pedicle (eye), transverse process (nose), superior articular process (ear), pars interarticularis (neck), and inferior articular process (front leg)

On oblique lumbar radiographs, the 'Scotty dog' silhouette is formed by: eye=pedicle, nose=transverse process, ear=superior articular process, neck=pars interarticularis, body=lamina, front leg=inferior articular process.