What are some potential blind spots on X ray and CT when trying to detect pulmonary nodules?
On chest radiography, potential blind spots include the lung apices where the clavicles and ribs overlap, the hila and retrocardiac region where superimposed cardiovascular structures are located, and within the lung bases below the level of the anterior portions of the hemidiaphragms where abdominal soft tissue overlaps.
On CT, potential blind spots include the central portions of the lungs (e.g., the hilar regions and the azygoesophageal recess) and the endoluminal portions of the trachea and bronchi.
