1. Dr. Suheab A. Maghrabi MBBS, MSc.
How to read chest x-ray
Dr. Suheab A. Maghrabi
MBBS, MSc.

2. X rays: Electromagnetic Radiation. Absorption varies between tissues.
Bone
Soft tissue
Air

3. Be systematic.
Don’t rush to conclusions.

4. 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

5. Patient Profile
Name.
Date.

6. Type of view.

7. Image Quality:
Penetration.
Inspiration.
Rotation.
Angulation.

8. Penetration (over/under penetration).

9. Inspiration (9-10 posterior ribs).

10. Rotation:
Distance between clavicle and spines process should be equal on both sides.

11. Angulation:
Clavicle should lie on the 3rd rib. 3

12. Soft tissues / bony structures
Symmetry
Deformities
Fractures
Masses
Calcifications
Lytic lesions

13. Mediastinum Heart Hilar Lymph nodes and vessels. Shape. Sharpe edges.
Enlargement.
Hilar Lymph nodes and vessels.

14. Diaphragms free air. Gastric buble (left) Margins should be sharp.
Right dome usually higher than left.
Clear Costophrenic angle.

15. Lung Fields Infiltrates. Increased interstitial markings. Masses.
Air bronchograms.
Increased vascularity.
Lobs and fissures.

19. Thank You