American Journal of Roentgenology, Vol 163, 1343-1348, Copyright © 1994 by American Roentgen Ray Society
Plain film radiography of the chest: findings that simulate pulmonary disease
AT Gronner and SH Ominsky
Alameda County Medical Center, Highland General Hospital, Oakland, CA 94602.
Many pitfalls are encountered while interpreting routine radiographs of the
chest. Intrathoracic disease can be mimicked by disease or anatomic
variation of the superimposed bony thorax and soft tissues, by artifacts,
and by iatrogenic intrathoracic changes. Although cross- sectional imaging
may occasionally be necessary to solve a problem case, most often the
simple use of an additional projection such as a lordotic, kyphotic,
oblique, or skin marker view is sufficient to exclude pulmonary disease. We
illustrate a series of cases in which serious intrathoracic disease was
mimicked by extrapulmonary processes. The correct interpretation of these
findings in a timely manner with relatively simple and inexpensive
maneuvers can save the patient unnecessary worry and expense.