THORACIC RADIOLOGY

Conventional radiological techniques such as the chest radiograph (X-ray) have been in use for almost 100 years and produce relatively crude two dimensional images of structures within the thorax. Chest radiographs remain widely used, but the applications of computer technology in Radiology over the last two decades have led to new imaging techniques capable of demonstrating both fine detail of normal structures and subtle disease processes previously undetectable without invasive procedures such as surgery. The use of imaging techniques for the diagnosis of disease continues to increase rapidly, and familiarization with these investigations is valuable in virtually all areas of medical practice.

Thoracic Radiology introduces first and second year medical students to various imaging modalities which may be used to identify and assess the anatomical structures within the thorax and to introduce the concept of living Anatomy by the use of real-time dynamic images. The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the various imaging modalities which may be used to identify and assess the anatomical structures within the thorax and to introduce the concept of living anatomy by the use of real-time dynamic images. Features of this program are:

Chest radiographs, mammography, angiography, ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance.

Comparative digitized radiographic images and techniques, computer graphics, anatomical drawings, and textual information.

Dynamic QuickTime displays of radiographic techniques of the heart on echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography.

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

1) Identify the heart on a chest radiograph (X-ray) and know its normal position and shape.

2) Identify which cardiac chambers form the borders of the normal heart shadow.

3) Recognize the lungs and identify the individual lobes.

4) Identify the mediastinal structures such as the trachea, heart, etc.

5) Recognize anatomic landmarks associated with important structures such as level of the thoracic inlet, aortic arch, tracheal bifurcation (or carina), and left atrium.

6) Identify the imaging techniques used to assess the various structures within the thorax.

If you would like more information about this program, please call Chris Chapman at the LRC, 763-6770 or e-mail Chris.Chapman@umich.edu.