Learning objectives
How to do a systematic and complete evaluation of a chest X-ray.
Review the main possible findings on a chest X-ray with didactical cases.
Illustrate the main classical findings of chest X-ray with correlation to thoracic CT.
Background
Chest radiography is an important imaging method used for initial evaluation in the diagnostic approach of a wide range of medical conditions.
Due to the fact that it is inexpensive, easily available and has been widely used for decades, it is assumed that doctors can easily interpret it. However, if they do not perform a systematic evaluation or are unaware of classical findings, disorders such as neoplasms, infections and trauma might not be diagnosed. The lack of a precise approach can lead to unnecessary tests...
Findings and procedure details
We propose a systematic evaluation of chest X-ray and present a case series of our practice with an objective to approach its main RX and CT imaging findings.
SYSTEMATIC EVALUATION OF CHEST X-RAY
The analysis of chest X-ray begins with the least interest areas and then progresses to areas of greatest interest.
The radiologist can start the evaluation by the upper abdomen, then examine the rib cage (soft tissues and bones), the mediastinal structures and finally the lung.
Abdomen
The structures that usually contain air...
Conclusion
Chest radiography is one of the most frequently requested diagnostic exam in clinical practice. Its initial interpretation is often left to novice radiology residents who might not feel confident in analyzing it.
Therefore, in order not to miss important thoracic disorders, it is of great importance to know how to do a systematic evaluation of a chest X-ray and recognize the main classical findings.
Personal information and conflict of interest
M. B. R. Pinto; Sao Paulo, SP/BR - nothing to disclose T. Moriwaki; Sao Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose M. Sato; Sao Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose I. Lorensini; Sao Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose A. D. A. E. Castro; São Paulo/BR - nothing to disclose
References
Felson B. Chest roentgenology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Company (1973)
Marshall G.B., Farnquist B.A., MacGregor J.H., Burrowes P.W. Signs in thoracic imaging. J Thorac Imaging (2006) 21:76-90
Kouritas V.K., Papagiannopoulos K., Lazaridis G. , Baka S. , Mpoukovinas I. , Karavasilis V., et al. Pneumomediastinum J. Thorac. Dis. (2015) 7: S44-S49
Sandstrom C.K., Stern E.J. Diaphramatic hernias: a spectrum of radiographic appearances. Curr Probl Diagn Radiol (201( 40(3):95- 115
Kotov G., Dimitrova I.N., Iliev A., Groudeva V. A rare case of an azygos lobe in the...