Objectives

I. Technique
- Learn the difference between PA vs. AP CXR
- Learn the utility of a lateral decubitus CXR
- Understand the terms inspiration, penetration, and rotation as they apply to determining a technically adequate film
II. Anatomy
- Learn the basic anatomy of the fissures of the lungs, heart borders, bronchi, and vasculature that can be seen on a chest x-ray
III. Interpretation
- Develop a consistent and thorough technique for reading images
- Learn how the silhouette sign can help localize pathology
IV. Pathology
- Learn the concept of atelectasis and the ability to recognize it on a chest x-ray
- Appreciate the appearance of pulmonary edema and the differences between cardiogenic and noncardiogenic causes
- Appreciate the difference findings of atelectasis and pneumonia
- Recognize pleural effusions and pneumothorax appear on CXR
- Recognize the signs of COPD
- Recognize the signs of a benign pulmonary nodule
- Learn what makes lung cancer unresectable


© 2003 by the Rector &
Visitors of the University of Virginia