Anatomical assessment of chest radiographs

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of anatomical parameters and their measurement as seen on normal posteroanterior (PA) chest radiographs in a Turkish population.

Materials and Methods: We evaluated fifty normal PA chest radiographs of Turkish population adults. The frequency of anatomical parameters and their measurement with respect to the diaphragm was evaluated.

Results: The frequency of anatomical parameters and their measurement with respect to the diaphragm is as follows: level (right side higher in 98%, left and right sides same level 2%), lobulation (88% absent, 12% present), eventration (98% absent, 2% present) and contour (90% smooth, 10% not smooth); level of hilum (right and left sides same level 52%, left side higher 36%, right side higher 12%); number of pairs of ribs (twelve 96%, unable to determine 4%); number of ribs superposing the lung parenchyma (seven 2%, eight 4%, nine 24%, ten 70%); distance from the lateral margin of the vertebral body to the aorta (16.44 +/- 4.35 mm); angle between the vertebral body and the aorticopulmonary line (16.04 +/- 3.110); the carina angle (58.46 +/- 11.130) and the cardiothoracic ratio (38.75 +/- 4.27).

Conclusion: The data presented in this study may be useful in understanding normal thoracic structures. A knowledge of the normal anatomy as well as variations are significant for physicians in the assessment of chest radiographs.