Abnormal Chest X-Ray Flashcards
What does the projection of the X-Ray revel about the patient
The projection (PA,AP, lateral, erect or supine) can give a good indication of the overall health of the patient, e.g an erect PA film suggests the patient was able to sit or stand unaided, whereas a supine AP film suggests the patient was too unwell to move at all. Too decide whether the patient was straight or rotated, compare the sternal ends of both clavicles.
What else should be noted on the X-Ray
Any foreign bodies, such as endotracheal tubes, ECG leads or pacemakers. These can point towards the overall state of the patient, as well as possible comorbidities.
What should the lung fields look like
Symmetrical, with fine lung markings throughout.
It is easiest when describing an abnormality to divide the lung into approximate upper, middle and lower zones, rather than trying to guess a lobe (often impossible without a lateral film).
If the lung fields are asymmetrical, combine with clinical findings to find which is the abnormal side. If the lung fields look symmetrical, but abnormal, think of a pathology that would affect both lungs.
