Chest x-ray is commonly used to examine the lungs, heart and chest. It can detect abnormalities in the diaphragm, heart, mediastinum, hilar region, lungs and thoracic cage. Other imaging techniques like CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear scans provide additional information. A normal chest x-ray does not rule out all lung diseases. Common abnormalities seen on chest x-rays include pulmonary opacities, collapse, nodules, effusions and pneumothorax.

1. Chest-Imaging techniques * Plain chest radiography: -Routine study (PA= frontal)± optional addition of Lat. View. -Both in erect position + full inspiration (ant. End of 6 th rib intersect dome of rt. Diaphragm. -Expiratory and supine film (hase base, ↑ cardiac shadow) -Though CXR is the most commonly x-ray examination performed, it’s the most difficult to interpret. -We have to follow problem oriented approach: (ask about the abnormality and clinical finding) How to read a CXR 1-Diaphragm -> upper surface should clearly visualized from one costophrenic angle to another except at Ht. and mediastinum. -> Rt. hemidiaphragm is 2.5 cm higher than Lt. 2-Heart -> position 1/3 to the Rt. -> size (C/T ratio < 50%. -> shape

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