HOW TO READ CHEST X-RAYDr. Suheab A. MaghrabiMBBS, MSc.

• X rays: Electromagnetic Radiation.

• Absorption varies between tissues.• Bone• Soft tissue• Air

•Be systematic.

•Don’t rush to conclusions.

1. Patient profile.• Name.• Date.

2. Type of view.3. Image Quality:

• Penetration• Inspiration• Rotation• Angulation

4. Soft tissues / bony structures5. Mediastinum6. Diaphragms7. Lung Fields

•Patient Profile• Name.• Date.

•Type of view.

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

• Penetration (over/under penetration).

• Inspiration (9-10 posterior ribs).

• Rotation:• Distance between

clavicle and spines process should be equal on both sides.

• Angulation:• Clavicle should lie on the 3rd

rib.

3

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

• Mediastinum• Heart

• Shape.• Sharpe edges.• Enlargement.

• Hilar Lymph nodes and vessels.

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

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

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