What is a chest X-ray used to examine?
Feb 17, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Qifeng
Introduction
Chest X-ray primarily uses X-rays to examine the patient's chest in order to detect any abnormalities. It can assist in the diagnosis of diseases such as pneumonia, emphysema, lung tumors, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, bronchiectasis, rib fractures, pleural thickening and adhesions, mediastinal tumors, and cardiac abnormalities. It should be noted that patients should wear soft clothing during the X-ray imaging procedure.
Chest X-ray primarily uses X-rays to image the patient's chest in order to detect any abnormalities. It assists in diagnosing conditions such as pneumonia, emphysema, lung tumors, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, bronchiectasis, rib fractures, pleural thickening and adhesions, mediastinal tumors, and cardiac diseases.
The main structures evaluated in a chest X-ray include the lungs, heart, blood vessels, trachea, and mediastinum. Common conditions assessed include pulmonary infections, lung tumors, tuberculosis, and pleural effusion. Heart conditions such as hypertensive heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, and coronary atherosclerotic heart disease can also be evaluated. The costophrenic angles are examined for signs of pleural thickening or fluid accumulation. In cases of chest trauma, the X-ray can reveal rib fractures on either side and assess the alignment of fracture fragments.
It is important to note that during chest X-ray imaging, patients should wear soft clothing without high-density decorations or coverings such as metal zippers, necklaces, or pendants. Female patients should remove their bras prior to the examination, as these items may create high-density artifacts that could obscure anatomical details and lead to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.
