Introduction
Anatomy
Landmarks
Landmarks
Normal
Posterior Anterior CXR: patient needs to be able to stand or sit up so difficult if ill. The chest presses on the film cartridge (well it's all digital now). Best diagnostic quality.
Lateral CXR - rarely done now as CT used for exact placement of lesions
AP chest - the film goes behind the patient who can lie back. Done when the patient is ill. There is cardiomegaly and often poor inspiration and the diagnostic quality is reduced. Useful looking for gross pathology
ABBCDE Format of looking at CXR
Positioning
Interpretation
Common CXRs in the exam
Normal CXR despite breathless ill patient
Things that can be missed when the film initially appears normal
Fibrosis predominately affecting the upper zones
Fibrosis predominately affecting the lower zones
Bilateral Hilar lymphadenopathy
Causes of an opaque hemithorax on CXR
Lung cavitation
Lung abscess
Consolidation
Severe Pulmonary oedema
Pneumothorax
Pleural effusion
Air under diaphragm
Bilateral hilar lymphadenopathy classed as Stage 1 sarcoidosis.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Finger clubbing
Right Upper lobe Mass (Pancoast Tumour)
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Chest X Ray Interpretation
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