Chest X-Ray

The Reference lungs look normal Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window in size and shape, and the lung tissue looks normal. No growths or other masses can be seen within the lungs. The Reference pleural spaces Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window (the spaces surrounding the lungs) also look normal.

The heart looks normal in size, shape, and the heart tissue looks normal. The blood vessels leading to and from the heart also are normal in size, shape, and appearance.

The bones including the spine and ribs look normal.

The Reference diaphragm Opens New Window looks normal in shape and location.

No abnormal collection of fluid or air is seen, and no foreign objects are seen.

All tubes, catheters, or other medical devices are in their correct positions in the chest.

An infection, such as pneumonia or Reference tuberculosis Opens New Window, is present.

Problems such as a tumor, injury, or a condition such as Reference edema Opens New Window from Reference heart failure Opens New Window may be seen. In some cases, more X-rays or other tests may be needed to see the problem clearly.

A problem such as an enlarged heart—which could be caused by heart damage, Reference heart valve disease Opens New Window, or fluid around the heart—is seen. Or a problem of the blood vessels, such as an enlarged Reference aorta Opens New Window, an Reference aneurysm Opens New Window, or hardening of the arteries (Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window), is seen.

Fluid is seen in the lungs (Reference pulmonary edema Opens New Window) or around the lungs (Reference pleural effusion Opens New Window), or air is seen in the spaces around a lung (Reference pneumothorax Opens New Window).

Broken bones (fractures) are seen in the rib cage, collarbone, shoulder, or spine.

Enlarged lymph nodes are seen.

A foreign object is seen in the esophagus, breathing tubes, or lungs.

A tube, catheter, or other medical device looks like it has moved out of the correct position.