Radiology
Techniques to Interpret Radiographs
The best interpretation is the ABCD approach (Airway, breathing, cardiac, and diaphragm). Airway observes the trachea and whether it significantly deviates and traces of paratracheal masses (lymphadenopathy). Breathing involves inspecting the lungs paying attention to asymmetry. An infection of the lung causes symmetrical changes in the lung fields. The cardiac analysis involves assessing heart size which should not occupy more than half of the thoracic width in a healthy individual. Diaphragm CXR helps identify any underlying conditions in an individual. A healthy person should have an indistinguishable diaphragm from the underlying liver. In an infected person, a CXR shows both the liver and diaphragm.
Format to Interpret Radiographs
The best format to interpret radiographs is the mnemonic RIPE (rotation, inspiration, projection, and exposure). Rotation involves observing the distance between each clavicle and spinous processes. Also, the spinous processes should be vertically oriented against the vertebrae. Inspiration observes anterior ribs and lung apices. In this case, lateral rib edges and costophrenic angles need to be visible. Projection observes the position or placement of the chest structures through AP and PA films. Exposure involves studying the left hemidiaphragm, spine, and vertebrae. The image helps show the concentration of air across the chest and radiologists request the patient to breathe in and out.
System to Interpret Radiographs
General-purpose radiographic systems help perform and interpret routine diagnostic x-ray procedures. These are digital radiographic table systems that include table unit, grid system, x-ray generator, x-ray tube, and collimator. The CXR images are produced by the x-ray tube after a stream of electrons collides with the tube’s target anode. Collimator sets confine the primary beam to a digitally set size and shape covering only an area of diagnostic interest. Flat-panel detectors utilize a scintillator material to convert CXR rays to visible light. Finally, photodiodes absorb the light translating it to an electronic signal (digital display).
References
Learning, C. (2019). Digital Radiography System Explained (step-by-step). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzV1kovMjkI&t=7s
Wells, L. (2013). Chest X-Ray (CXR) Analysis in a Nutshell. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SC-NggHZ_ZQ