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What Does My Chest X-ray Report Indicate?

Posted on Tue, 17 Apr 2018

Question: Just received the following from a chest x-ray.

It is a long holiday weekend. I can’t find out more from my Dr on how to interpret this. Can you help?

“Increased peribronchial markings in
both lungs with atelectasis/scarring in right medial lung base. Question of an 8 mm diameter nodule right midlung.”

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of bronchitis with right lung infection is more likely.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the x ray report you have mentioned.
Increased bronchovascular markings in both lung fields are suggestive of bronchitis.
Atelectesis is partial collapse of part of lung and it is commonly seen with lung infection.
8mm lung nodule can be due to bronchitis or lung infection or lung cancer.
So I need more information to guide you further.
So please let me know
1. Before how many days you had this x ray?
2. What are your symptoms?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (32 minutes later)

This x ray was taken about 15 days ago.

I have virtually no symptoms. I went in for the x ray as a pre op requirement for an upcoming surgery.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is strange to not have any symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
This is strange not to have any symptoms.
Which surgery you are planning to undergo?
Do you have cough, chest pain or breathing difficulty?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (12 minutes later)

I do not have a cough or difficulty breathing nor have I been ill. I am having surgery to repair a partial thickness tear in my rotator cuff.

I did just remember that for a few months now, I have been having acid reflux at night and wake up coughing having aspirated my stomach acid. Would this cause these x ray findings?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, acid reflux can cause these x ray changes.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, acid reflux can cause similar symptoms.
Acid reflux causes aspiration pneumonia.
Aspiration pneumonia is more common on right side (right middle lobe).
So possibility of aspiration pneumonia is more likely in your case.
Please let me know if you are having smoking habit.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Yes, I smoke.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You should definitely get done CT thorax and PFT.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Since you are active smoker, you should definitely get done CT thorax and PFT (Pulmonary Function Test).
CT thorax is needed for the evaluation of atelectesis and nodule.
PFT is must for the diagnosis of bronchitis.
You should definitely quit smoking as soon as possible.
Smoking is the cause for your reflux and x ray changes.
Please let me know
1. Are you taking anything for acid reflux?
2. Since how many years you are smoking? And how many cigarettes in a day?
3. When is your surgery scheduled?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D