Introduction to Emergency Chest Radiology

Because of its low cost and relative ease of performance, the chest radiograph is often used as a first line of imaging in the Emergency Department. One must have a structured approach to this deceptively simple exam. The first step of imaging interpretation should be an understanding of the clinical context of the examination (chest pain, dyspnea, blunt or penetrating trauma, for example). The second step should be comparison with any prior imaging. The third step should involve a careful search for any abnormal lucency. The final step should be to focus on the integrity of 9 lines, stripes and interfaces of the mediastinum. Using these simple steps in the analysis of all chest radiographs will allow for the highest diagnostic yield.