Normal heart size
The cardiac silhouette is the most prominent central feature of the chest x-ray and it produces a familiar gourd shape with the apex of the left ventricle located just behind the left chest nipple. The inferior left ventricle wall lies on the left diaphragm and the superior base of the heart shows the aortic knob lying just to the left of the spine. A linear line descending from it, lying to the left of the spine, represents the lateral edge of the descending aorta. A normal cardiac silhouette is defined by the lower cross diameter of the heart from its right atrial boundary to the left ventricle apex occupying no more than one half the internal thoracic diameter. The right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) at its junction with the left main pulmonary artery is concave. Note that the right hemidiaphragm is higher than the left because of the presence of the liver and not due to the weight of the heart since the same relationship occurs with dextrocardia.
Cardiac silhouette is prominent with a left ventricular configuration.
marginal sized heart
A prominent cardiac silhouette refers to an enlarged outline of the heart observed on chest X-rays or imaging studies, indicating potential cardiac conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart failure, or valvular heart disease. This enlargement suggests that the heart is dilated or has increased volume, which may be due to fluid buildup or hypertrophy. Clinicians assess the cardiac silhouette to evaluate heart size and function, guiding further diagnostic and treatment decisions.
A borderline cardiac silhouette refers to a heart that appears enlarged or has an indeterminate shape on imaging studies, such as chest X-rays. This can indicate potential heart conditions, such as cardiomegaly or fluid accumulation around the heart, but may also result from technical factors or variations in individual anatomy. Further evaluation, often with echocardiography or other imaging modalities, is typically necessary to determine the underlying cause and significance.
A mildly enlarged cardiac silhouette indicates that the outline of the heart appears larger than normal on imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray. This enlargement can suggest various conditions, including heart disease, fluid around the heart, or hypertension. While it may not be immediately concerning, it often warrants further evaluation to determine the underlying cause and assess the heart's function. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive assessment and appropriate management.
A silhouette is a dark outline of a person or thing.
I only saw a silhouette on the window shade. For target practice, I prefer a silhouette. Don't let your silhouette betray your position.
An upper-than-normal cardiac silhouette typically indicates cardiomegaly, or an enlarged heart, which can be a sign of various underlying conditions such as hypertension, heart valve disease, or cardiomyopathy. This enlargement may suggest that the heart is working harder to pump blood effectively, potentially leading to heart failure over time. It is important for healthcare providers to assess the patient's overall clinical picture and consider further diagnostic testing to determine the cause and appropriate management.
A silhouette is a dark shape and its outline is seen against a lighter background.(Silhouette is French for "outline".)
There are three syllables in the word "silhouette" (sil-hou-ette).
Sill' oh et"
it was Emilia pond and she named it silhouette after her mum