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.
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