An elderly male presents with a history of exertional dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
His chest x ray is shown below:
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Diagnosis : Congestive cardiac failure
Discussion: The Chest X Ray shows classic evidence of left ventricular failure, i.e.
In addition, there is evidence of sternotomy wires, suggesting previous coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
Followup Of this Patient: Following diuresis, the pulmonary infiltrates have cleared . (X ray shown below).
Only fluid and blood on the chest radiograph can clear rapidly (within days). This patient also has a right internal jugular central venous line.
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His chest x ray is shown below:
Diagnosis : Congestive cardiac failure
Discussion: The Chest X Ray shows classic evidence of left ventricular failure, i.e.
- cardiomegaly (cardiothoracic ratio >50%),
- upper lobe pulmonary venous diversion, and
- Kerley B lines (which indicate distension of lymphatics).
In addition, there is evidence of sternotomy wires, suggesting previous coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG).
Followup Of this Patient: Following diuresis, the pulmonary infiltrates have cleared . (X ray shown below).
Only fluid and blood on the chest radiograph can clear rapidly (within days). This patient also has a right internal jugular central venous line.
