Chest x-ray (CXR) is used to Dx conditions involving the chest wall, and structures within the thoracic cavity, including the lungs (esp. pneumonia, job-related lung disease), heart (esp. heart failure), and the great vessels.
Method
Employs x-rays (ionizing radiation) to generate images of the chest. The mean radiation dose to an adult chest is 2 mrem for PA, and 8 mrem for a LL
CXR can be taken:
PA (posterior-anterior), x-rays entering from the back, showing a front view
AP, x-rays entering from the front. AP is harder to read, so is only used where Pt can't do a PA
Lateral, image taken whilst Pt raises both arms. It includes LL (left lateral)
Analysis
CXR is to be analyzed by looking at:
Airways
Bones, for rib fracture
Cardiac silhoutte, for cardiac enlargement
Diaphragm
Edges, for pneumothorax, pleural thickening or plaques
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