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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