Chest X-ray
What is it?
What is it?A chest X-ray is an X-ray photo of the chest, the lungs, the aorta, the heart, the vertebral column and the ribs.
What is the process?
What is the process?You will be placed between a plate that is sensitive to X-rays and an X-ray machine. After inhaling deeply, the image will be taken from an anterior-posterior view and from the side.
![](https://www.mariamiddelares.be/public/rx-thorax.jpg)
What are the risks?
What are the risks?No side effects are expected as the radiation dose is low.
Results
ResultsMedical imaging of the organs inside the rib case help determine a diagnosis. A chest X-ray can help detect:
- an enlarged heart
- fluid accumulation in or around the lungs
- widened aorta
- pulmonary infection
- pneumothorax
In addition, a chest X-ray can help evaluate the position of the electrodes (pacemaker or defibrillator).
Centres and specialist areas
Centres and specialist areas
Latest publication date: 16/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Provenier Frank