Something in the Chest X-ray
Date: 2026-02-10
Accepted answers: Left Ventricular Assist Device
Explanation
As seen in the frontal x-ray there is a white opacity which is called an LVAD. It helps the left ventricle with pumping blood through out the body
Source: Hacking C, Left ventricular assist device. Case study, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 10 Feb 2026) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-228715
Hints
- A 35-year-old man presents to the ED for evaluation after a minor motor vehicle collision. He is alert, speaking in full sentences, and in no acute distress.
- He has no history of pneumonia, tuberculosis, or prior lung surgery. He denies fever, cough, or chest pain
- On exam, blood pressure is difficult to obtain with an automated cuff, and a pulse is faint or nonpalpable, despite the patient appearing well perfused.
- Cardiac auscultation reveals a continuous mechanical hum over the precordium rather than discrete S1 and S2 heart sounds.
- Chest X-ray demonstrates a metallic device near the left ventricular apex with tubing coursing toward the mediastinum, without pacemaker leads in the right heart.
- Further inspection reveals a driveline extending toward the abdominal wall, connected to an external power source worn by the patient.