August 17, 2013

Mitral Stenosis X- Ray Findings

Radiological signs seen in mitral stenosis are:

§  Backward displacement of esophagus by enlarged left atrium (in lateral view X-ray). Also the earliest sign.

§  Straightening of left heart border due to enlarged left atrium.

§  Double shadow due to enlarged left atrium. Dense right atrial shadow superimposed within fainter left atrial shadow that touches the diaphragm.

§  Splaying of carina (The left main bronchus is lifted up by the enlarged left atrium)

§  Prominent upper zone pulmonary veins (Inverted moustache sign /  Antler’s horn sign / Cephalisation pulmonary of blood flow)

§  Enlarged pulmonary trunk (This occurs following the development of pulmonary hypertension)

§  Kerley B lines (indicating fluid collection in the interlobular septa. 1-2 cm in length lines in lung peripheries perpendicular to and extend out to pleural surfaces.)


NOTE: Here is a chest radiograph exhibiting classic findings of chronic mitral stenosis.

Are you interested in knowing the Peripheral signs in Aortic Regurgitation? Click here.

No comments:

Post a Comment