Case 18 — Radiographs

Referral Radiographs (19 Months Prior)

Lateral

Lateral thoracic radiograph from 19 months prior showing the cardiac silhouette at an earlier stage of disease.
Referral lateral (19 months prior).

DV

DV thoracic radiograph from 19 months prior.
Referral DV (19 months prior).

Current Radiographs (Following Pleurocentesis)

Lateral

Current lateral thoracic radiograph following pleurocentesis showing massive left atrial enlargement silhouetted against the rest of the heart. The caudal vena cava is hugely distended.
Current lateral (post-pleurocentesis). Massive LA enlargement; distended caudal vena cava.

DV

Current DV thoracic radiograph showing the left atrium so large it touches the left chest wall and pushes the rest of the heart to the right.
Current DV (post-pleurocentesis). LA touches the left chest wall and displaces the heart rightward.

Quiz

1. On the current radiographs, which chamber is larger than all the rest?

2. On the current radiographs, which great vessel is markedly enlarged?

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