Which of the following is least likely to cause ...

[joesmith1212]

Which of the following is least likely to cause pneumomediastinum?
 
  a. Chest trauma
  b. Esophageal rupture
  c. Thyroid surgery
  d. Pericarditis

Question 2

What is the best imaging technique for examining mediastinal masses?
 
  a. Conventional lateral chest radiography
  b. Chest CT
  c. MRI
  d. Ultrasound

[elyse44]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Pneumomediastinum, is a form of barotrauma, may result from movement of air into the medias-tinum, as may also be seen in cases of esophageal rupture (Figure 21-30). This usually occurs in the distal portion of the esophagus in patients who undergo procedures to stretch or dilate the esophagus. Chest trauma may cause rupture of a main bronchus, also allowing movement of air into the mediastinum. Rarely, air dissects down from the soft tissues of the neck after thyroid, parathyroid, or tonsillar surgery. Gas associated with a retrotonsillar abscess may also move down to the mediastinum through the fascial planes of the neck. Air that accumulates in the retroperi-toneum may enter the mediastinum via openings in the diaphragm for the aorta or esophagus.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
CT is the best type of imaging for assessing most mediastinal masses.

[joesmith1212]

Correct answers!

[elyse44]

Great! Please up vote