This document provides an overview of normal and abnormal findings on chest x-rays. It describes the positioning and sizes of normal cardiac structures and bony structures visible on chest x-rays. Common soft tissue shadows are also noted. Abnormal chest x-rays can show radiopaque or radiolucent areas indicating increased or decreased density. Increased density can be caused by conditions like edema, pneumonia or tumors. Decreased density can indicate issues like pneumothorax. Specific patterns like alveolar, interstitial and vascular are described that can help identify underlying lung conditions.

1. Chest X-ray interpretation Julee Waldrop, MS, PNP School of Nursing UNC

9. Note: ground glass appearance of the lungs here

10. Tracheal deviation to the Right caused by posterior tumor Posterior chest wall tumor

12. Middle lobe infiltration Boot shaped heart: enlarged heart

14. Trace the lung vascular markings out to the border of the rib cage. When the lung markings stop short of the rib cage and thrre is increased radiolucency in the pleural space, the patient has a pneumothorax.