The chest X-ray (CXR) remains one of the most fundamental yet complex diagnostic tools in modern medicine. Despite the advent of high-resolution CT scans and advanced MRI, the CXR is often the first-line investigation for patients presenting with respiratory or cardiac symptoms. Effective interpretation is not merely about spotting an abnormality; it is a systematic process that combines technical assessment with physiological knowledge and clinical reasoning. Establishing Technical Adequacy
Is the heart size normal (cardiothoracic ratio <50%)?
Are the costophrenic angles sharp, or obscured by fluid?