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The projection radiographs of the thoracic region i.e. the chest region are called the chest x-rays. They are used to diagnose problems in the chest region. Just like the other x-rays, they too, are... |
The projection radiographs of the thoracic region i.e. the chest region are called the chest x-rays. They are used to diagnose problems in the chest region. Just like the other x-rays, they too, are taken by the radiographs. For the chest region, the typical dose of x-rays used is generally around six mrem.
In the diagnosis of the chest with the help of the chest x-ray, various types of standard views are used. They may be frontal or lateral views.
There are two standard frontal views. One type is the posterior-anterior view. For these views, the X-rays are focused on the patient’s body through the back and then, they emerge through the chest.
The other is the anterior-posterior view of the chest x-ray. While taking the x-rays of this view, the X-rays rays are focused on the body through the anterior part i.e. the chest, and then, they emerge through the back.
The second type of views for the chest X-rays are the lateral views. In this, the x-rays are focused from one of the lateral sides of the patient and then they pass out through the other side.
In addition to these views, according to the need for the diagnosis, some different views are also taken.
Generally, the most common standard view that is used for the chest X-ray is the posterior-anterior. In addition to this view, the lateral views are also taken so that, combination of these can provide the 3-dimensional view of the chest region. The posterior-anterior views have some advantages over the anterior-posterior views. They define the shadow better than the posterior-anterior views. Then secondly, the magnification of the heart is lesser. Lastly, the heart or the pericardial sacs do not block the views of the lungs.
For taking the posterior anterior chest x-rays, the patient has to lie upside down. Therefore, they can be taken only in the cases where, the patients are able to do this. However, in other cases where this is not possible the anterior-posterior views have to be taken
The problems, which the chest x-rays can diagnose are the fractures in the chest region, or the interstitial diseases in the lungs, swelling in the tissues of the chest, etc. They can also diagnose some diseases as cancer, and respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, Pneumothorax, etc.
These are only some of the diseases that the chest x-ray can diagnose. In addition to this, they are widely used in the diagnosis of the other problems of the chest.