Chest X-ray

The chest X-ray is the most frequently performed X-ray. A large number of diagnoses may be made from this test. Bony structures, blood vessels, lungs, pleural spaces, and the heart can be seen on this film. The chest X-ray is often used as a general screening examination because it yields a considerable amount of information. In addition, the patient is exposed to relatively low radiation compared to other diagnostic X-ray studies.
 
Chest X-rays are performed on patients with any history for cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or employment related exposures (e.g. asbestos).
 
Many conditions can be revealed by the chest X-ray.
 

•	Lung Cancer
•	Pneumonia
•	Haemothorax (blood in the chest cavity)
•	Cardiac Enlargement (a finding that accompanies many forms of heart disease)
•	Pleural Effusion (fluid in the chest cavity)
•	Congestive Heart Failure
•	Pneumoconiosis (e.g. “coal miner’s lung,” “black lung”)
•	Dissecting Thoracic Aneurysm
•	Rib Fracture
•	Clavicle Fracture
•	Thoracic Spine Fracture (compression fractures)
•	Lung Abscess
•	Aspiration Pneumonia
•	Emphysema
•	Pneumothorax
•	Tuberculosis

 
Remember …

•	Tell your doctor if you might be pregnant.
•	Tell your doctor if you have had prior chest surgery.
•	Tell your doctor of any known lung abnormalities on previous chest films.
•	Tell your doctor when your last chest X-ray was taken.
•	Two different views will probably be taken of the chest as part of the routine study.

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