Costophrenic angle

Term: Costophrenic angleDefinition: The angle formed by the diaphragm and the chest wall, visible on X-rays or CT scans, where fluid accumulation can be detected.Phonetic Pronunciation: (kos-toh-FREN-ik AN-gul)Origin: The term "costophrenic" is derived from the Latin words "costa," meaning rib, and "phren," meaning diaphragm. The word "angle" comes from the Latin "angulus," meaning corner or bend. This term is used in medical imaging to describe a specific anatomical feature.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos-related diseases, the costophrenic angle is significant because pleural effusion, a condition often associated with asbestos exposure, can cause blunting or obscuring of this angle on imaging. Monitoring changes in the costophrenic angle can aid in the diagnosis and management of asbestos-related pleural diseases.Example Sentence: The radiologist noted blunting of the costophrenic angle on the patient's chest X-ray, suggesting possible pleural effusion due to asbestos exposure.Related Terms: Pleural effusion, asbestos-related pleural disease, chest X-ray, CT scan, diaphragm.Notes: - Blunting of the costophrenic angle is not exclusively indicative of asbestos exposure but can be caused by various conditions. - Early detection of changes in the costophrenic angle can be crucial for managing asbestos-related health issues.