Dr. Suheab A. Maghrabi MBBS, MSc. How to read chest x-ray Dr. Suheab A. Maghrabi MBBS, MSc.
X rays: Electromagnetic Radiation. Absorption varies between tissues. Bone Soft tissue Air
Be systematic. Don’t rush to conclusions.
Soft tissues / bony structures Mediastinum Diaphragms Lung Fields Patient profile. Name. Date. Type of view. Image Quality: Penetration Inspiration Rotation Angulation Soft tissues / bony structures Mediastinum Diaphragms Lung Fields
Patient Profile Name. Date.
Type of view.
Image Quality: Penetration. Inspiration. Rotation. Angulation.
Penetration (over/under penetration).
Inspiration (9-10 posterior ribs).
Rotation: Distance between clavicle and spines process should be equal on both sides.
Angulation: Clavicle should lie on the 3rd rib. 3
Soft tissues / bony structures Symmetry Deformities Fractures Masses Calcifications Lytic lesions
Mediastinum Heart Hilar Lymph nodes and vessels. Shape. Sharpe edges. Enlargement. Hilar Lymph nodes and vessels.
Diaphragms free air. Gastric buble (left) Margins should be sharp. Right dome usually higher than left. Clear Costophrenic angle.
Lung Fields Infiltrates. Increased interstitial markings. Masses. Air bronchograms. Increased vascularity. Lobs and fissures.
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