Tuesday is time for another #RadiologyRounds! Time for some CXR reading and a differential diagnosis mnemonic Two women presented to the hospital with similar presentations. They are both in their 80s with multiple weeks of cough, fever, and fatigue. Here are the CXRs
![](https://www.pulmpeeps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/1-1024x1024.png)
![](https://www.pulmpeeps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-07-at-8.15.32-AM-1024x462.png)
The CXRs both showed cavities. They are thick-walled (>4mm) and gas-filled. Cavitary lung lesions are seen within infiltrates, nodules, or masses. There can be an air-fluid level within the cavity. Cysts have thinner walls. The findings were confirmed on CT scan
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Cavitary lung lesions can have a broad differential so it is helpful to have a systematic approach. To make it easy, when you see this just remember: CAVITY
Bonus points to anyone who can fill in the Y
![](https://www.pulmpeeps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/4-1024x1024.png)
![](https://www.pulmpeeps.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Differntial-JPEG2.jpg)
Both patients were ultimately diagnosed with pulmonary abscesses which improved with prolonged courses of antibiotics with anaerobic and gram-negative coverage.