Original Contributions
August 2002 / Volume 47 / Number 8 / Page 898
That Darn Scapula: A Common Pitfall in Interpreting the Chest Radiograph
IntroductionFor the inexperienced interpreter of chest radiographs, the normal scapula can mimic some very common and potentially serious abnormalities. Failure to recognize this normal bony structure can lead to needless diagnostic work up and treatment. The potentially mimicked abnormalities fall into 3 major categories: lung parenchymal abnormalities, pleural abnormalities, and bone abnormalities. This report discusses scapula anatomy as it pertains to chest radiographic anatomy, and the reasons for misinterpretations, and shows examples of the scapula mimicking pathologic processes.
Scapula Anatomy
Lung Parenchymal Abnormality Mimics
Pleural Abnormality Mimics
Bone Pathology Mimics
Other Pitfalls
Summary
Introduction
The scapula is an essential part of the shoulder girdle, being an attachment for the rotator cuff muscles and part of the shoulder joint itself. For the inexperienced reader of chest radiographs, the normal scapula can mimic some very common and potentially serious abnormalities. Failure to recognize this normal bony structure can lead to needless diagnostic work up and treatment. The potentially mimicked abnormalities include lung parenchymal abnormalities, pleural abnormalities, and bone abnormalities. This pictorial essay discusses scapular anatomy, especially as it pertains to chest radiographic anatomy and the reasons for misinterpretations, and shows examples of the scapula mimicking pathologic processes.