What does the costophrenic angle look like?

What does the costophrenic angle look like?

The angle is observed as a downward indentation between the left or right diaphragm and adjacent chest wall. Under normal circumstances, an extremely small part of each lung touches the costophrenic angle.

What is the pathophysiology of costophrenic angle blunting?

Blunting of the costophrenic angles is usually caused by a pleural effusion, as already discussed. Other causes of costophrenic angle blunting include lung disease in the region of the costophrenic angle, and lung hyperexpansion.

How much pleural fluid is required for costophrenic angle blunting to occur?

It may be seen on either frontal or lateral erect projections. It has been found that approximately 200 mL pleural fluid needs to be present for blunting of a costophrenic angle to be visible on a lateral chest radiograph.

What is the difference between Costo and phrenic?

Word Costo is used to describe disease related to ribs and phrenic word is used to describe disease close to diaphragm. The acute angle between rib and diaphragm is considered normal when angle is less than 30 degrees and blunt when angle is more than 30 degrees.

What is the difference between costophrenic angle blunting and pleural effusion?

Pleural Effusion- Collection of fluid outside lung between lung and chest wall. Costophrenic Angle Blunting is seen more often in individuals with Pleural Effusion. Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in space surrounding the lungs, which can be due to some type of infection of the lungs.

How do you treat costophrenic angle blunting?

Antibiotics for Costophrenic Angle Blunting Blood culture and culture of pleural fluid is performed before starting antibiotics. Antibiotics are selected according to bacterial sensitivity test. If the underlying infection, usually pleural effusion, is treated, then Costophrenic Angle Blunting resolves.