October 2012 Imaging Case of the Month

Michael B. Gotway, MD

Associate Editor Imaging

Department of Radiology

Mayo Clinic Arizona

Scottsdale, AZ

Clinical History: A 65-year-old non-smoking woman presented with a history of cough, exertional dyspnea, and occasional wheezing. Frontal chest radiography (Figure 1) was performed.

Figure 1. Admission chest x-ray.

 Which of the following statements regarding the chest radiograph is most accurate?

1. The frontal chest radiograph is normal
2. The frontal chest radiograph is non-specifically abnormal
3. The frontal chest radiograph shows numerous small nodules, consistent with a “miliary” pattern
4. The frontal chest radiograph shows significant right lung volume loss, suggesting endobronchial obstruction
5. The frontal chest radiograph shows diffuse fibrotic lung disease

Reference as: Gotway MB. October 2012 imaging case of the month. Southwest J Pulm Crit Care 2012;5:186-92. PDF