Analysing a Chest X-ray
Proceed one step at a time and go
through the following:
Identification:
Ñ
Check patient identity
Ñ
Date of x-ray
Ñ
PA or portable
Position
Ñ
Is the film rotated
Ñ
Thoracic spine must align in the centre of
the sternum between the clavicles
Ñ
Verify right and left:
Look for
the gastric bubble
Heart
Volume
Ñ
Full inspiration:
10
posterior ribs visible
Or
6 anterior
ribs visible
Penetration
Ñ
One must be able to see the thoracic
vertebrae
Trachea
Mediastinum
Ñ
Position
Ñ
Size
Ñ
Shape
Heart
Ñ
Size
Ñ
Shape
Ñ
Valves (calcified)
Hilum
Ñ
Hilar mass
Ñ
Hilar blood vessels
Lung fields
Compare corresponding intercostal
spaces
Ñ
Upper zone
Ñ
Mid zone
Ñ
Lower zone
Costophrenic angles
Diaphragm
Sub diaphragm
Ñ
Air
Ñ
Gastric bubble
Skeleton
Ñ
Look at visible bones and joints
Soft tissues
Ñ
Breast shadows
Ñ
Chest wall
Ñ
Neck
