What is the costophrenic angle?

The costophrenic angles are formed by the points at which the chest wall and diaphragm meet. The costophrenic recesses contain the lower edges of the lungs which contact the diaphragm.

What causes blunting of the costophrenic angle?

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.

What does Costophrenic mean?

Medical Definition of costophrenic : of or relating to the ribs and the diaphragm.

Why is costophrenic angle important?

Costophrenic (CP) angle or the costodiaphragmatic recess is one of the review areas in reading a chest radiograph systematically. Normally, the CP angle is acute and sharp. Isolated blunting of the CP angle is usually considered to represent pleural disease such as small pleural effusion or mild pleural thickening.

Where is the right costophrenic angle?

INTRODUCTION: Costophrenic angle is located on posterior and lateral side of the lower chest wall where diaphragm meets lower rib cage. Costophrenic angle is observed on plain X-ray on right and left side. The angle is observed as a downward indentation between the left or right diaphragm and adjacent chest wall.

How can I reduce pleural thickening?

In most cases, no treatment is needed since the pleural thickening does not usually cause very severe symptoms. Stopping smoking, keeping active and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) are usually the most helpful options. If your breathlessness is severe, surgery can very occasionally be considered.

How long can you live with pleural thickening?

Symptoms may include chest pain, chronic cough, and shortness of breath. The average life expectancy for pleural mesothelioma after diagnosis is about 1-2 years, but specialized life-extending treatments are available.