Andrew Picel

Preliminary Diagnosis: Coarctation of the Aorta I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest radiograph II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta. Advantages Cheap examination that is quick and simple to perform Disadvantages It is a screening examination and findings may be nonspecific. A…

Preliminary Diagnosis: Pericarditis I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Transthoracic echocardiography II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of pericarditis. Advantages Does not use ionizing radiation Can determine life-threatening consequences such as pericardial tamponade Useful to diagnose myocarditis and ventricular dysfunction, which could change the management approach Disadvantages…

Preliminary Diagnosis: Pleural effusion I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest radiograph II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing pleural effusion? Advantages Fluid may be easily detected blunting the lateral or posterior costophrenic sulcus. Large effusions will cause a mediastinal shift. Common etiologies, such as congestive heart failure,…

Preliminary Diagnosis: Congestive Heart Failure I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis? Chest radiography. II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosing congestive heart failure. Advantages Vascular distribution can indicate increased left-ventricular filling pressure. Kerley lines, peribronchial cuffing, and ill-defined vessel margins sugget interstitial edema. A “batwing” pattern of perihilar…

Preliminary Diagnosis: Superior vena cava syndrome I. What imaging technique is first-line for this diagnosis CT with IV contrast II. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of this technique for diagnosis of superior vena cava syndrome. Advantages Will establish the level and extent of obstruction Can guide therapeutic options by mapping collaterals and patent vasculature Can…