This tutorial describes the important anatomical structures visible on a chest X-ray. These structures are discussed in a specific order to help you develop your own systematic approach to viewing chest X-rays.

Feb 18, 2013 · The chest x-ray is the most frequently requested radiologic examination. In fact every radiologst should be an expert in chest film reading. The interpretation of a chest film requires the understanding of basic principles. In this article we will focus on: Normal anatomy and variants. Systematic approach to the chest film using an inside-out ...

Sep 23, 2024 · The chest radiograph (also known as the chest x-ray or CXR) is anecdotally thought to be the most frequently-performed radiological investigation globally although no published data is known to corroborate this.

Nov 1, 2023 · When presented with a chest X-ray, the first thing one should do is try to determine the view, that is, the positions of the patient and machine and thus the trajectory of the rays relative to the patient. Chest X-ray can be: Posteroanterior (PA) Lateral; Anteroposterior (AP)

This web site is intended as a self-tutorial for residents and medical students to learn to interpret chest radiographs with confidence. Technique, normal anatomy and common pathology are presented.

Start your assessment of every chest X-ray by looking at the airways. The trachea should be central or slightly to the right at the level of the aortic knuckle. If the trachea is deviated, it is important to establish if this is because of patient rotation or if it is due to pathology.

Jun 28, 2024 · The ABCDE approach can be used to carry out a structured interpretation of a chest X-ray: Airway: trachea, carina, bronchi and hilar structures. Breathing: lungs and pleura. Cardiac: heart size and borders. Diaphragm: including assessment of costophrenic angles.

Feb 12, 2025 · Radiographic anatomy of the chest and abdomen: annotated X-ray images of the thorax, ribs, sternum, abdomen and pelvis. Today, the chest x-ray is still the most frequently prescribed radiological examination: we’ve included the most routinely used radiographs.

Mar 23, 2023 · The chest x-ray is the most common radiological investigation in the emergency department 1. The PA view is frequently used to aid in diagnosing a range of acute and chronic conditions involving all organs of the thoracic cavity.

Oct 24, 2017 · Reading a chest x-ray (CXR) is an incredibly important aspect of acute care medicine and a skill that all healthcare providers should at least have some comfort in doing. The key for interpreting any radiographic image is having a methodical approach you follow every single time, no matter how simple or complex the initial impression is.