Chest x-ray is a common imaging technique used to evaluate the lungs, heart and mediastinum. It involves frontal and lateral views to assess the diaphragm, heart size and position, tracheal outline, lung markings and thoracic cage. Other techniques include CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine scans which provide additional information on abnormalities. A normal chest x-ray can still be consistent with certain diseases, while abnormal findings require analysis of shapes, borders and other characteristics to determine the underlying condition.

1. Chest-Imaging techniques * Plain chest radiography: -Routine study (PA= frontal)± optional addition of Lat. View. -Both in erect position + full inspiration (ant. End of 6 th rib intersect dome of rt. Diaphragm. -Expiratory and supine film (hase base, ↑ cardiac shadow) -Though CXR is the most commonly x-ray examination performed, it’s the most difficult to interpret. -We have to follow problem oriented approach: (ask about the abnormality and clinical finding) How to read a CXR 1-Diaphragm -> upper surface should clearly visualized from one costophrenic angle to another except at Ht. and mediastinum. -> Rt. hemidiaphragm is 2.5 cm higher than Lt. 2-Heart -> position 1/3 to the Rt. -> size (C/T ratio < 50%. -> shape

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