PLAIN FILM RADIOGRAPHY OF THE CHEST - FINDINGS THAT SIMULATE PULMONARY-DISEASE

Many pitfalls are encountered while interpreting routine radiographs o f the chest. Intrathoracic disease can be mimicked by disease or anato mic variation of the superimposed bony thorax and soft tissues, by art ifacts, and by iatrogenic intrathoracic changes. Although cross-sectio nal imaging may occasionally be necessary to solve a problem case, mos t often the simple use of an additional projection such as a lordotic, kyphotic, oblique, or skin marker view is sufficient to exclude pulmo nary disease. We illustrate a series of cases in which serious intrath oracic disease was mimicked by extrapulmonary processes. The correct i nterpretation of these findings in a timely manner with relatively sim ple and inexpensive maneuvers can save the patient unnecessary worry a nd expense.