Radiologic signs in thoracic imaging: case-based review and self-assessment module.

Objective: Chest imaging remains one of the most complicated sub-specialties of diagnostic radiology. The successful interpretation of thoracic imaging studies requires the recognition and understanding of the radiologic signs that are characteristic of many complex disease processes.

Conclusion: The educational objectives for this case-based self-assessment module are for the participant to exercise, self-assess, and improve his or her understanding of important thoracic radiologic signs that are useful in establishing the diagnosis of particular diseases of the chest.

Pericardial "sleeve" recess of right inferior pulmonary vein mimicking adenopathy: computed tomography findings.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the computed tomography (CT) features of the pericardial "sleeve" recess of the right inferior pulmonary vein misinterpreted as adenopathy.

Method: Six patients with fluid in the pericardial sleeve recess mistaken for adenopathy were retrospectively identified. The following CT features were assessed: location of fluid in relation to the vein, size, shape, attenuation, and mass effect on the inferior pulmonary vein.

Argon beam coagulator electrode tip mimicking a metallic foreign body.

Objective: Our purpose is to describe the appearance of an argon beam coagulator electrode tip that may become fractured and detached during surgery.

Conclusion: Knowledge of the potential for fracture and detachment and recognition of the characteristic radiographic appearance of the argon beam coagulator electrode tip allows radiographic identification of this metallic foreign body.

Primary thoracic sarcomas.

Primary sarcomas of the thorax are rare. The diagnosis is established only after sarcomalike primary lung malignancies and metastatic disease have been excluded. Primary sarcomas of the thorax are classified according to their histologic features and constitute a large group of tumors that occur in the lung, mediastinum, pleura, and chest wall.