Normal CXR

Question 1

What is the most common CXR view?

Answer 1

PA

posterior to anterior

Question 2

What are a couple of the disadvantages of anterior-posterior X-rays?

(usually taken by portable chest X-ray)

Answer 2

it may magnify some structures

Question 3

How to check if CXR is of adequate quality?

Answer 3

midline trachea

equal clavicles

accurate rib detail

ability to partially visualize thoracic vertebrae through cardiac shadow

Question 4

What are the ABC’s of CXR interpretation?

Answer 4

Airway/adenopathy

Bones

Cardiac shadow

Diaphragm

Everything around lung fields

Fields (lung fields)

Question 5

How wide should the heart be in comparisson to the width of the chest?

Answer 5

< 1/2

Question 6

Why do we get a lateral view CXR?

Answer 6

to visualize what is behind the heart

Question 7

Silhouette sign

Answer 7

using changes in mediastinal structures to approximate changes lesions in thoracic structures

Question 8

Indications for thoracic CTs

Answer 8

evaluate lung masses or nodules seen on CXR

PE evaluation

define unknown abnormalities on routine CXRs