![]() ![]() One can tell if the film is under penetrated if the thoracic spine can not be seen through the heart. If film is under penetrated then there will be an excess of white present. Penetration: Is the film under-penetrated? Penetration refers to how well the X-rays have penetrated the body of the patient. Here are the 5 major considerations to make to evaluate if a chest X-ray is technically adequate. THIS SHOUDL BE DONE BEFORE FURTHER ANALYSIS!!! If an image is poor quality we can not use it for accurate diagnosis. Now that we are more familiar with X-ray machines, and common chest X-ray orientations, it is time for us to assess the quality of the X-ray image we are viewing. Alternating between these positions can help utilize gravity to help confirm suspicions of fluid in the pleural space ( source). When the patient is put in the LLDP, layering of the fluid is observed (right pane) which further supports the diagnosis of a likely pleural effusion. In these images a small pleural effusions is suspected on the upright X-ray (left pane). to assess for layering of a pleural effusion). This can be done for logistical reasons (patient is unable to stand for an upright lateral X-ray) or can be done to evaluate for the effect of gravity on pathological findings (i.e. Left lateral decubitus position (LLDP): sometimes patients are radiographed when laying on their left side. In the above image a left lower lobar pneumonia can be seen on both PA and right lateral views ( source) ![]() The position of the spine on the lateral view can help inform is direction (if the image is taken from the right, the spine will be on the right side of the film and vice versa). identifying the exact lobe of a lobar pneumonia in the right lung). This can be helpful in settings where the single view is limited in localizing pathology (i.e. Lateral views (right/left): often, a lateral view usually accompanies a PA/AP chest X-ray. This is because the distance is increased between the film and the heart,allowing for the X-rays to spread for a greater distance before developing the film ( source) Note the larger appearing heart on the AP view. It is important to realize that the LEFT side of the image (for both AP and PA films) represents the RIGHT side of the patient. In most circumstances PA orientations are preferred. The anatomy of the heart can appear artificially larger due to this image orientation. this orientation is commonly taken with portable X-rays with patients who are bed-ridden and laying on their back. SourceĪnterior-to-posterior (AP): The opposite of a PA. This is the preferred imaging orientation, however bed-ridden patients may not be able to allow for this type of X-ray to be taken. ![]() Posterior-to-anterior (PA): Exactly as it sounds, a PA view entails X-rays penetrating through the posterior/dorsal surface of a patient and being recorded on the opposite side. ORIENTATIONS USED FOR CHEST X-RAYSīefore delving too deep into the interpretation of chest X-rays, we must first learn about the different orientations in which the image can be taken. The orientations used for a chest X-ray include: As a refresher read this guide on the fundamentals of X-ray studies to help learn some of the basics. The following guide helps walk you through a comprehensive approach to understand and interpreting chest X-rays. Interpreting a chest X-ray is a very valuable skill given how commonly it is ordered. 16 LATERAL VIEW: DIAPHRAM AND POSTERIOR COSTOPHRENIC SULCI.12 LATERAL VIEW: RETROSTERNAL CLEAR SPACE. ![]() 11 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO INTERPRETING A LATERAL CHEST X-RAY.5 SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO INTERPRETING A FRONTAL CHEST X-RAY: ABCDE APROACH. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |