Presentation
Cough and weight loss
Patient Data
Age: 65 years
Gender: Female
From the case:
Retrocardiac lung nodules (chest radiograph)
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Multiple nodules are evident behind the heart in the left lower lobe, concerning for metastasis. Additionally, there is linear atelectasis in the left lower zone. The right lung is clear. Normal heart and mediastinal contours.
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Inverting the image can aid in interpretation and can make nodules more apparent.
Case Discussion
Behind the heart is one of the review areas which should be checked when interpretating chest radiographs. Pulmonary nodules have a wide differential diagnosis, and multiple rounded nodules should raise alarm for lung metastasis.