ESR::Patientinfo:PI::XRAY - CHEST - Radiography of the lung

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Radiography of the lung Summary

Synonyms: Cardiopulmonary X-ray, chest film, conventional X-ray -chest

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The conventional X-ray of the chest is one of the most common and most important X-ray procedures. Not only does it involve low radiation exposure, but it is also cost-effective. Therefore, it is frequently the first procedure for pneumonia, pulmonary congestion, cardiac conditions, change in the airways (e.g. foreign bodies in children), in oncological follow-up (cancer follow-up), as well as after trauma.
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Technique What it is

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Generally, two films with perpendicular views are needed for a comprehensive evaluation of heart and lungs. In order to create an X-ray image, the body part to be examined is examined with X-rays. Depending on the density of the tissue, the radiation is partially or completely retained (absorbed) on its way through the body. The proportion of rays that passes through the body reaches the detector. This creates a likeness, a kind of silhouette, of the body structures with different X-ray densities. The denser the X-rayed structure is, the whiter it will appear on the image. A bone, for example, will appear bright. In order to make the obtained image visible, the X-ray film has to be processed after the X-ray examination, which is done by the medical radiology technician.
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How it works
Ideally, the procedure is performed on an erect patient or, if this is not possible, on patient lying supine. It is important that the procedure is performed when the lungs are fully expanded, i.e. in maximum inspiration. During imaging, the X-ray tube is behind the patients back and the detector is in front of the patient. Most frequently, two views are taken: the posterior-anterior (pa) image and the lateral chest image (left side of the chest leaning against the detector).
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Purpose

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As the radiation exposure from a chest X-ray is very low (0.2 mSv), it is the initial examination procedure for heart and lung conditions and is highly suitable for monitoring therapy response e.g. follow-up pneumonia. Its purpose is the early diagnosis of lung conditions you may receive appropriate treatment, and to then monitor the success of the treatment. In some cases, an additional procedure (e.g. computed tomography) may be necessary. If this is the case, the radiologist or the doctor who referred will also inform you.
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Target Patient Group

The conventional X-ray of the lungs is performed to address the following questions: Pneumonia Heart disease Tumour treatment/and follow-up
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Variations
Broken ribs (= fractures) are among the most common bone injuries and occur in about 60% of cases after a blunt injury to the chest (e.g. blunt chest trauma). The most common locations are the 4th to 9th ribs; fractures of the 1st to 3rd ribs are rare as these are protected by the shoulder girdle. Concomitant injuries of the blood vessels are typical complications with fractures of the first rib. Another typical complication is a pneumothorax. This is a life-threatening clinical condition, in which air gets into the gap between chest wall and lung (pleural space) and consequently impairs the expansion of one lung or both lungs, meaning that these are not available for breathing or only to a limited extent. Haemothorax (pool of blood in the pleural space) as well as lung injuries may also occur. Radiological diagnostics: The first diagnostic step consists of a chest X-ray and a special imaging technique of the injured side using image series in two planes. Additionally, an ultrasound examination may be carried out, or aRadiography of computed tomography of the chest may be performed. GH Vienna

the lungs
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Procedure Persons

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You are looked after by an experienced team consisting of a medical radiology technician and a radiologist. The

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procedure itself is performed by the medical radiology technician, who will ask you to breathe in deeply and to hold your breath. Usually, two images are then taken, which means you have to follow the breathing instructions twice. The radiologist examines and assesses the images after the procedure. Then a written report is drawn up. This is either given to you or sent to the doctor who referred you.
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Preparation
Special preparation is not necessary since no contrast agent is administered.

Precautions
Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, you are eligible for this procedure only if there is a situation that requires immediate clarification and there are no suitable alternative procedures.
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Duration
The entire procedure takes approximately 5 minutes.
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Process
Before the start of the procedure, you will be issued with an information sheet describing the respective procedure and asking you questions such as whether you are pregnant, pre-existing and current conditions. The procedure is performed with your chest undressed. Note that all foreign objects such as necklaces, earrings, bras, etc. must be removed before the procedure to guarantee optimum image assessment. Metals, for example, make the evaluation of the image harder or even impossible. For reasons of radiation protection, a lead apron is placed around your stomach to protect your abdominal organs from radiation. After this, two images are taken during maximal inspiration: the posterior-anterior (pa) image (with the patients chest leaning against the detector) and the lateral chest image (left side of the chest leaning against the detector). Simply follow the breathing instructions of the medical radiology technician who is always present during the procedure. Depending on the technical equipment, the medical radiology technician may be behind a glass panel for reasons of radiation protection, but will be able to see as well as hear you. When the procedure is over, you can return to theRadiography of the waiting room. The written report of the procedure is either given to you or to GH Vienna the doctor who referred you. Your doctor can then evaluate the results of the procedure in terms of your exact condition.

lungs

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After procedure
You will usually be able to go straight home or to the ward after the procedure.
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Consideration Risks

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Due to the very low radiation exposure and because no contrast agents are applied, you do not have to anticipate any risks. The radiation exposure corresponds to 0.15 0.20 mSv; this corresponds to a natural environmental radiation exposure of approximately 6 weeks.
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Alternatives
Further diagnostics by computed tomography may be necessary. However, the X-ray of the lungs is always the first procedure to detect certain conditions.
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FAQ
1. How much radiation will I be exposed to, and what are the risks?

Due to the very low radiation exposure and because no contrast agents are applied, you do not have to anticipate any risks. The radiation exposure corresponds to 0.15 0.20 mSv; this corresponds to a natural environmental radiation exposure of approximately 6 weeks.

2. Is the proce dure unpleasant? The procedure is neither unpleasant nor painful. Only due to the low temperature in the room, you might feel a certain discomfort during the Radiography procedure. 3. What do I need to bring with me? Please bring your referral with you. If you have already had X-rays of the lungs taken, please bring the previous images with you. They are very important for the radiologist when making his assessment.

of the lungs GH Vienna

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Citations top 1 Team General Hospital Vienna 133 Prof. Dr. Hans-Ulrich Kauczor / ESTI European Society of Thoracic Imaging <download or print as .pdf> > contact > imprint| European Society of Radiology

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