Chapter One

Basic Chest Radiographic Interpretation

• Introduction
• Basic Physics of the Radiographic Image
  • X-ray Absorption
  • Factors Contributing to X-ray Absorption
    • Energy
    • Tissue Density
  • Differential X-ray Absorption: Why We See What We See
  • Normal Contours Created by Aerated Lung
• Basic Chest Radiographic Patterns: Normal Anatomy
  • Frontal Chest Radiograph
  • Lateral Chest Radiograph
  • Interfaces
    • The Silhouette Sign
  • Assessing the Technical Quality of Radiographic Studies
    • Exposure, Positioning, and Inspiratory Effort
• Chest Radiograph Interpretation: Basic Patterns of Disease
  • Consolidation (Airspace Opacity)
    • Air Bronchograms
    • Acinar Shadow
  • Interstitial Opacity:
    • Linear and Reticular Opacity, Nodules, Miliary Pattern, and Peribronchovascular Thickening
• Self Check One
• Chest Radiograph Interpretation: Other Radiographic Patterns of Disease
  • Nodules and Masses, Lymphadenopathy, Cysts and Cavities
  • Pleural Disease
    • Pleural Effusion, Pleural Thickening, Calcification
  • Cardiomediastinal Contour Abnormalities and Soft Tissue and Osseous Abnormalities
• Self Check Two
• A Final Word about Evaluating the Entire Radiograph
  • Distribution of Disease
• Conclusion
• Self-Check Answer
• References

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