This document provides guidance for conducting and interpreting a chest x-ray. It outlines the key areas to examine, including the trachea, mediastinum, heart, diaphragm, lungs and bony cage. For each area, it lists what to comment on such as size, borders, displacement and abnormalities. The checklist is intended to ensure a thorough examination of a chest x-ray to aid in diagnosis.

1. The Chest X-rayByDr. MehmetKaphouryResidence of radio-diagnosis, ASU

2. Preliminary checklistDoseCentralizationPatient’s data (name, age, sex, smoking, occupation, residence)Clinical history in brief

3. Centralized film

4. Mr. J is a 65-year-old male presents to the OPC complaining of cough & expectoration of bloody sputum 2 weeks ago. His smoking index is 1 pack/40 years. Past history is unremarkable except for frequent morning coughs with whitish sputum all through past 25 years almost everyday.. What is the best initial step in diagnosis?The answer is: a plain CXR

5. Bit-by-bit checklistTracheaMediastinumHeartCardio-phrenic anglesDiaphragmCosto-phrenic anglesLungsBony cageLateral film, if presentOther findings

6. TracheaCentral at its upper partDeviates slightly to the right at its lower partIts lucency decreases caudallyComment on:Displacement

7. Caliber

8. Intraluminal ‘things’

9. Paratracheal stripe

10. CarinaMediastinumCentral with aortic knuckle to the left and SVC to the right

11. Smooth with no irregularities or festooning

12. Thymus in childrenComment on:Displacement

13. Widening

14. Fluid level, Air

15. SpineThymusMediastinum