10 Lung abscess Fig. 10.1A This radiograph demonstrates several ill-defined opacities in both lungs with central cavitation. This patient was an intravenous drug abuser who had endocarditis complicated by cavitating…

13 Bronchiectasis Fig. 13.1 This patient has bronchiectasis in a central distribution. Background Bronchiectasis refers to permanent dilatation of bronchi and bronchioles. This leads to recurrent chest infections and sputum…

5 Chest drains Background Chest drains are placed for the drainage of pleural space collections. These may include pneumothoraces (Chapter 18), pleural effusions (Chapter 20) and haemothoraces in trauma patients….

6 Technical factors in CXR interpretation Technical factors are very important as they can mimic pathology. They may cause normal lung to appear white on the radiograph, mimicking other pathologies…

4 Permanent pacemakers Background Cardiac pacing is an established and effective treatment for cardiac arrhythmias and placement of a permanent pacemaker is a common procedure in hospitals. It may be…

1 Nasogastric tubes Background Nasogastric (NG) tubes are placed for a number of medical reasons. These include decompression of the gastrointestinal tract in a patient with intestinal obstruction and for…

2 Endotracheal tubes Background Endotracheal (ET) tubes are placed within the trachea as a definitive airway to allow mechanical ventilation in a patient who cannot maintain their own airway due…