CXR Principles Flashcards
What is the first step in interperating a chest radiograph?
Confirm details
- Patient name/DOB
- Date and time the film was taken
- Previous imaging
Once details have been confirmed, what is the second step in interperating a CXR?
Assess image quality
What is the mneumonic for assesing CXR image quality?
RIPE
Rotation
Inspiration
Projection
Exposure
What is considered when assesing the rotation of a CXR?
The medial aspect of each clavicle should be equidistant from the spinous processes
What is considered when assesing the inspiration of a CXR?
If a CXR is adequately inspired, the anterior ends of at least 6 ribs should be visible
What is considered when assesing projection of a CXR?
Is the film AP or PA?
In which projection can the cardiothoracic ratio be measured and why?
Only in PA - due to objects nearer the x-ray tube being artifically enlarged, creating an artificially large heart on AP projections
What is a normal CTR?
<0.5
What is considered when mesuring the exposure of a CXR?
Is there enough radiation? Vertebrae should be visible behind heart
In a normal adult chest radiograph, the mediastinal borders should be clearly visable. Name borders 1-9
- Aorta
- Pulmonary artery
- Left auricle
- Left ventricle
- Right atrium
- Trachea
- Hemidiaphragm (right)
- Gastric bubble
- Horizontal fissure
Learn this
Good job
Which hilum normally lies higher - left or right?
Left
Which hemidiaphragm normally lies higher - left or right? Why?
Right - becuase of the liver
What are review areas on a CXR? Name the review areas.
Areas that require special attention as they are common areas for missed findings
- lung apices
- behind the heart
- below the diaphragm
- bones and soft tissue
