Cardiovacular system

narrowing of the of the coronary arteries causes oxygen deprivation to the myocardium that can lead death of muscle tissue (myocardial infarction)

causative agent is usually fatty material build-up on inner arterial wall (atherosclerosis – pp.273-274)

radiographic appearance – look for narrowing (stenosis) of the affected vessel(s) see p 263 fig 7-17-18 or actual plaque build-up (increased density, remember it looks whitish) p. 261 fig 7-15. Best seen on MDCT - multidetector, 64 slice CT or 3D MRA(angiography)

the use of stents to re-expand the narrowing is now a common interventional radiographic procedure

inability of the heart to adequately pump 

left sided failure most common – radiographic appearance is cardiomegaly - see p. 284 fig 7-20
echocardiography is the preferred imaging modality – can better assess heart’s pumping capability

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in pulmonary tissue generally due increased pulmonary venous pressure

early sign of fluid is seen by the presence of Kerley B lines

horizonatal whitish lines imbedded in the lung tissue

advanced stage – look for the classic butterfly or bat –wing pattern

Long standing high blood pressure (hypertension see p. 266) causes narrowing of systemic blood vessels forcing the left ventricle to work harder

Left ventricle becomes hypertropohic (increased size)

Radiographic appearance – increased left ventricle size along with abnormal appearance of the aorta

1. atrial septal defect – right ventricle enlargement
2. ventricular septal defect – left atrium and ventricle enlargement
3. patent ductus arterious – prominent aorta with left atrium and ventricle enlargement

Blood clot(s) involving the lower extremities –

Major source of potentially fatal pulmonary embolism

Duplex color Doppler ultrasound is the modality of choice