Health Information
Chest X-Ray
Results
A chest
Reference X-ray Opens New Window is a picture of the chest to see your
heart,
lungs, airway, blood vessels, and
Reference lymph nodes Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window. A chest X-ray also shows the bones of
your chest, including your
Reference breastbone Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window,
your ribs, your
Reference collarbone Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window, and the upper part of your
Reference spine Opens New Window Reference
Opens New Window.
In an emergency, the results of a chest X-ray can be available within a few minutes for review by your doctor. If it is not an emergency, results are usually ready in 1 or 2 days.
| Normal: |
The Reference lungs look normal Opens New Window Reference |
|---|---|
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The heart looks normal in size, shape, and the heart tissue looks normal. The blood vessels leading to and from the heart also are normal in size, shape, and appearance. |
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The bones including the spine and ribs look normal. |
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The Reference diaphragm Opens New Window looks normal in shape and location. |
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No abnormal collection of fluid or air is seen, and no foreign objects are seen. |
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All tubes, catheters, or other medical devices are in their correct positions in the chest. |
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| Abnormal: |
An infection, such as pneumonia or Reference tuberculosis Opens New Window, is present. |
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Problems such as a tumor, injury, or a condition such as Reference edema Opens New Window from Reference heart failure Opens New Window may be seen. In some cases, more X-rays or other tests may be needed to see the problem clearly. |
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A problem such as an enlarged heart—which could be caused by heart damage, Reference heart valve disease Opens New Window, or fluid around the heart—is seen. Or a problem of the blood vessels, such as an enlarged Reference aorta Opens New Window, an Reference aneurysm Opens New Window, or hardening of the arteries (Reference atherosclerosis Opens New Window), is seen. |
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Fluid is seen in the lungs (Reference pulmonary edema Opens New Window) or around the lungs (Reference pleural effusion Opens New Window), or air is seen in the spaces around a lung (Reference pneumothorax Opens New Window). |
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Broken bones (fractures) are seen in the rib cage, collarbone, shoulder, or spine. |
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Enlarged lymph nodes are seen. |
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A foreign object is seen in the esophagus, breathing tubes, or lungs. |
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A tube, catheter, or other medical device looks like it has moved out of the correct position. |
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 11, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology |
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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

