Roentgenographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Heart Disease

Abstract

Despite the virtual explosion of newer imaging modalities and the continued importance of history, physical examination, and electrocardiography, the plain chest radiograph remains one of the most important methods for evaluating the patient with pulmonary and associated cardiac disease. The chest radiograph provides one of the most reproducible methods for evaluating the heart, lungs, and pulmonary vasculature. Morphologic alterations in these structures provide significant clues not only to underlying pathologic changes but also to physiologic changes that might otherwise be difficult, if not impossible, to detect. Accurate interpretation of the chest film requires an understanding of normal anatomy and physiology as well as of potential pathologic alterations. When combined with the remainder of the patient’s clinical and laboratory evaluation, the chest radiograph frequently enables the physician to make an accurate diagnostic evaluation of a variety of pathophysiologic alterations.