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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Respiratory Issues, Cough With Chest Tightness. Chest X-ray Shows Enlargement Of Cardiac Silhouette. Pericardial Effusion Not Excluded. Explain

Having respiratory issues for 4 weeks, cough with chest tightness. Had a chest x-ray shows: the heart is enlarged with a cardiothoracic ratio of 0.53. Lungs are free of active disease. Bony structures are intact. Impression: mild enlargement of the cardiac silhouette. Pericardial effusion is not excluded. Cardiomyopathy should also be excluded. No active pulmonary disease. Seeing a cardiologist, what questions should I ask? What are your thoughts?
Sat, 28 Sep 2013
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hello
Thanks for writing to HCM

Your chest X-ray findings suggests that

1.There is cardiomegaly means heart is enlarged in transverse diameter.It may be due to age related,hypertension,cardiomyopathy,pericardial effusion etc.You didn't mentioned your age and proper history.

2.Lung parenchyma and bony structures are normal.

3. Pericardial effusion can't be ruled out. Cardiomegaly may be due to this reason also.It can be excluded in further investigation like ECHO.

4. Cardiomyopathy should also be ruled out.It can be confirmed in ECHO.

You need few more investigations like routine hemogram,RBS,Lipid profile,LFT,RFT,ECG in all leads,ECHO.

These investigation and clinical examination can lead to diagnosis and appropriate management.
Get well soon.

Take Care
Dr.Indu Bhushan
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Respiratory Issues, Cough With Chest Tightness. Chest X-ray Shows Enlargement Of Cardiac Silhouette. Pericardial Effusion Not Excluded. Explain

Hello Thanks for writing to HCM Your chest X-ray findings suggests that 1.There is cardiomegaly means heart is enlarged in transverse diameter.It may be due to age related,hypertension,cardiomyopathy,pericardial effusion etc.You didn t mentioned your age and proper history. 2.Lung parenchyma and bony structures are normal. 3. Pericardial effusion can t be ruled out. Cardiomegaly may be due to this reason also.It can be excluded in further investigation like ECHO. 4. Cardiomyopathy should also be ruled out.It can be confirmed in ECHO. You need few more investigations like routine hemogram,RBS,Lipid profile,LFT,RFT,ECG in all leads,ECHO. These investigation and clinical examination can lead to diagnosis and appropriate management. Get well soon. Take Care Dr.Indu Bhushan