Chest radiograph

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Chest radiograph

A Chest radiograph, also known as a chest X-ray (CXR), is a projection radiography of the chest used to diagnose conditions affecting the chest, its contents, and nearby structures. Chest radiographs are among the most common films taken, being diagnostic of many conditions.

Pronunciation

  • Chest radiograph: /ˈtʃɛst ˌreɪdiːoʊˌɡræf/

Etymology

The term "radiograph" originated from the Greek words "radius" meaning "ray" and "graph" meaning "writing". The term "chest" is derived from the Old English "cist", which is akin to the Old High German "kista" and the Latin "cista", all meaning "box".

Related Terms

  • Radiology: The science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, especially the use of such radiation for the diagnosis and treatment of disease.
  • Projection radiography: The production of radiographic images, also known as X-rays, of a patient's anatomy.
  • Pulmonology: The medical specialty dealing with diseases involving the respiratory tract.
  • Cardiology: The branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the heart and parts of the circulatory system.
  • Thoracic cavity: The chamber of the body of vertebrates that is protected by the thoracic wall (rib cage and associated skin, muscle, and fascia).

Usage

Chest radiographs are used to diagnose many conditions involving the chest wall, including its bones, and also structures contained within the thoracic cavity including the lungs, heart, and great vessels. Possible pathologies include pneumonia, pneumothorax, interstitial lung disease, heart failure, pulmonary edema, and lung cancer.

Procedure

A chest radiograph is typically performed in a radiology department or clinic by a radiographer. The patient is asked to stand up and hold their breath while the X-ray is taken. The X-ray machine is positioned so that the X-ray beam travels from the back (posterior) to the front (anterior) of the body.

Interpretation

Interpretation of a chest radiograph involves the systematic evaluation of the bones, soft tissues, and air-filled spaces. The report generated by a radiologist will often be in a format that follows the "ABCDE" structure: Airways, Bones, Cardiac, Diaphragm, and Everything else.

External links

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