What is Chest Radiography?Chest x-ray is the most commonly performed diagnostic x-ray examination. Approximately half of all x-rays obtained in medical institutions are chest x-rays. A chest x-ray is usually done for the evaluation of lungs, heart and chest wall. Pneumonia, heart failure, emphysema, lung cancer and other medical conditions can be diagnosed or suspected on a chest x-ray. Traditionally, chest x-rays have been taken prior to employment, prior to surgery or during immigration. The use of "routine" chest x-rays is being reevaluated because there is a lack of evidence for their usefulness, and many insurance companies no longer pay for these "routine" x-rays obtained in absence of specific signs, symptoms or medical conditions. |
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What are some common uses of the procedure?Chest x-ray is typically performed as the first imaging test for symptoms of shortness of breath, a bad or persistent cough, chest pain, chest injury or fever. Individuals with known or suspected medical conditions such as congestive heart failure or cancer may have chest x-rays to follow their response to treatment, or to determine changes that would require a change in their medical management. |
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How should I prepare for the procedure?This procedure requires no special preparation. Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant. |
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What does the x-ray equipment look like?The most common radiography equipment used for chest x-rays consists of a box-like apparatus containing the recording materialsuch as film or a digital recording plate against which the individual places his/her chestand the apparatus containing the x-ray tube, usually positioned about six feet away. In some instances, the radiography equipment consists of a large, flat table with a drawer that holds an x-ray film cassette or a digital recording plate. With this arrangement, the x-ray tube is suspended above the table. An example of the radiography equipment that may be used is shown at the top of this page. |
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How does the procedure work?Radiography involves exposing a part of the body to a small dose of radiation to produce an image of the internal organs. When x-rays penetrate the body, they are absorbed in varying amounts by different parts of the anatomy. The ribs and spine, for example, absorb much of the radiation and appear white or light gray on the image. Lung tissue absorbs little radiation and appears dark on the image. Depending upon the type of image-recording medium, chest x-rays can be maintained as hard copy film for filing or, more commonly, as filmless digital images that are archived electronically. Digital images can also be transferred for storage onto CD-ROM. Stored images may be used to compare with later images if illness develops. Indeed, historical comparison films are often very important in the decision process as to whether a finding is clinically important or not. |
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How is the procedure performed?Patients must remove their clothing, including undergarments that may contain metal. Most medical centers will give the patient a loose-fitting gown to wear. Patients will also be asked to remove all metallic jewelry that may interfere with the x-rays. Normally, a frontal or posteroanterior view is obtained, in which the patient stands with the chest pressed to the photographic plate, with hands on hips and elbows pushed in front in a somewhat exaggerated position. The technologist will ask the patient to be still and to take a deep breath and hold it. Breath-holding after a deep breath reduces the possibility of a blurred image and also enhances the quality of the x-ray image, since abnormalities in air-filled lungs are easier to see than in deflated lungs. Next, the technologist walks into a cubicle or small room to activate the radiographic equipment, which sends a beam of x-rays from the x-ray source behind the patient, through the patient's chest, to the recording medium (film or digital cassette). Some equipment is designed to accommodate patients who cannot stand for chest x-rays.
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What will I experience during the x-ray procedure?This is a painless procedure. The primary discomfort may come from the coldness of the recording plate. Individuals with arthritis or injuries to the chest wall, shoulders or arms may have discomfort trying to maintain position for the chest x-ray. In these circumstances, the technologist will assist you in finding a position that still ensures diagnostic image quality. |
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Who interprets the results and how do I get them?A radiologist, who is a physician specifically trained to supervise and interpret radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your primary care physician or other health care provider, who will inform you of your test results. New communications technology also allows for confidential distribution of diagnostic reports and digital images over the Internet at many facilities. |
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What are the benefits vs. risks?Benefits
Risks
Radiation risks are further minimized by:
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What are the limitations of Chest Radiography?The chest x-ray is a very useful examination, but has limitations. Some conditions of the chest will not show up on the image. Therefore, a normal chest x-ray does not necessarily rule out all problems in the chest. For example, patients with asthma exacerbations can have a normal chest x-ray. There are some cancers that are too small or are difficult to visualize and may not be identified. Blood clots to the lungs (pulmonary embolism) cannot be seen on chest x-rays and require additional study. A chest CT may be requested to further clarify a finding seen on the chest x-ray or to look for an abnormality not visible on a chest x-ray in order to answer the clinical problem. The degree of involvement of the lung, as well as the distribution of disease, and anatomic location may be better evaluated with chest CT, helping aid the diagnosis. Some diseases, such as chronic lung disease, are frequently evaluated with HRCT (high-resolution CT). The chest x-ray and the physical examination should be correlated. The information each procedure provides can give the physician a clearer understanding of the patient's health.
To locate a medical imaging or radiation oncology provider in your community, you can search the ACR-accredited facilities database. This procedure is reviewed by a physician with expertise in the area presented and is further reviewed by committees from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), comprising physicians with expertise in several radiologic areas. |
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This page was reviewed on: July 9, 2004 |