The pleural cavity is a true space between the visceral and parietal pleura. The extrapleural space, a potential space, lies between the rib cage and the adherent parietal pleura. Each…

To analyze cardiovascular disease fully, the heart, pulmonary vessels, lungs, and pleural space must all be studied. Every beginner should be able to recognize the cardiovascular structures, cardiomegaly, and left…

Detecting signs of collapse within the lung is important in the diagnosis of lung disease. For us, it is also a good way to reinforce the anatomy. In general, the…

We have already seen how disease can consolidate or collapse a segment or lobe. We now look at other patterns of diffuse and focal lung disease. The lung reacts to…

On the normal chest x-ray, we see air in the trachea and proximal bronchi because they are surrounded by the soft tissue (water density) of the mediastinum. In the lungs,…

A “fingertip” knowledge of lobar and segmental anatomy is indispensable for understanding patterns of lung collapse and patterns of lung disease. Some diseases have lobar or segmental distributions; others do…

If part of the lung is radiodense (alveolar pattern, consolidated, water density, airless), it can affect our ability to see adjacent structures. We can use these changes to help us…

The keys to reading x-rays well are a good understanding of normal anatomy and an orderly search pattern. This chapter reacquaints you with the normal anatomy and helps you develop…

The mediastinum is the area between the right and left lungs, bounded by the medial-parietal pleura. Mediastinal diseases can be difficult to detect on chest x-ray because most diseases are…

The chest x-ray and computed tomography (CT) are part of every physician’s practice. You should have a basic understanding of the anatomy and pathologic findings visible on these images. In…