The width of mediastinal is under 8 cm, aortic knob is clearly visible without any disruption to its hump-shaped contour. It is crisp and has intact border, without pleural fluid or parenchymal opacities. The size and shape can help in identifying the disease. Deviated trachea may suggest, tension pneumothorax, lobar collapse, or other mass effectī= Bones – without fractures or lytic regionsĬ= Cardiac silhouette (outline of the heart) – spread across less than half of the transverse diameter of the thoracic cavity. A systematic approach following the ABCDEFFL mnemonic can be used.Ī= Airway – is midline – Check trachea and main-stem bronchi – any deviation, obstruction. To identify the abnormal features of the lungs, familiarity with the normal view of the organs and structures seen on the chest x-ray image, as well as some of the common abnormalities, is required. Strictly not reaching the final conclusions about the diagnosis, until each structure, organ and region is systematically and thoroughly inspected.Mandatory analysis of all the elements of the image thoroughly instead of quickly winding up the review process when the pathology is spotted.Close review all the different parts of the image, one by one, to check every other organ and structure that can be seen on the image.The systematic reading, review and assessment of x-ray image involves, What does the systematic approach entail? To identify subtle but likely more sever pathologies if any.Rule out co-existing pathologies/abnormalities that might get missed during quick review done at the first instance.Detailed reporting of the x-ray findings in the report.Bright grey: Water (blood, soft tissue)Ī systematic approach to reading x-ray images is recommended before final interpretation of the image for following reasons:.lung infections (pneumonia, bronchitis)Ĭhest x-ray images are generally black and white with shades of grey that are related to the density of the structures seen on the image.

fluid surrounding the lung (pleural effusion).excessive fluid accumulation (pulmonary edema).When there are symptoms related to lung disease such as cough (dry or wet), difficulty breathing and chest pain, certain features will be visible for assessment and diagnosis: Which type of lung pathologies can be seen in a chest x-ray?

Normal chest x ray findings