Name of the Procedure:

Radiologic examination, chest, 2 views, frontal and lateral, with apical lordotic procedure. Commonly referred to as a chest X-ray with two views plus an apical lordotic view.

Summary

A chest X-ray involves taking images of the chest from different angles to look at the lungs, heart, and chest wall. The apical lordotic view specifically emphasizes the upper part of the lungs to offer a better view of abnormalities that might be hidden in standard positions.

Purpose

This procedure is used to diagnose issues within the chest cavity, including infections (like pneumonia), chronic lung conditions, tumors, and other abnormalities. The apical lordotic view helps identify issues that standard chest X-rays might miss due to overlapping structures.

Indications

• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Prior abnormal chest X-ray findings
• Follow-up on previously diagnosed conditions

Preparation

• Generally, no special preparation is needed.
• Patients may be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that could interfere with the X-ray.
• Inform the technician if you are or might be pregnant.

Procedure Description

1. The patient stands against the X-ray detector.
2. The technician will take two standard images: frontal (front-to-back) and lateral (side view).
3. For the apical lordotic view, the patient leans back slightly, angling the upper part of the chest forward.
4. The X-ray machine captures images from these positions, emphasizing the upper lung areas.
5. No anesthesia or sedation is required.

Duration

The entire procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes.

Setting

Performed in a radiology department within a hospital or an outpatient clinic that has X-ray facilities.

Personnel

• Radiologic Technologist: conducts the X-ray.
• Radiologist: interprets the images.
• Healthcare provider: may request the procedure and discuss results with the patient.

Risks and Complications

• Exposure to a small amount of radiation. Generally considered safe, but unnecessary exposure is avoided, especially in pregnant women.
• Rarely, discomfort from positioning during the X-ray.

Benefits

• Non-invasive and quick way to diagnose a variety of chest conditions.
• The apical lordotic view improves the accuracy of detecting upper lung abnormalities.
• Results are usually available quickly.

Recovery

• No recovery time needed; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow-up depends on the findings and will be discussed by the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• CT scan: Provides more detailed images but involves higher radiation exposure and is more expensive.
• MRI: Offers detailed imaging without radiation but is less available and more costly.
• Ultrasound: Limited use for chest imaging but may be used for specific conditions.

Patient Experience

• The procedure is generally painless.
• You might be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken to ensure clear pictures.
• Any discomfort is minimal and usually related to holding certain positions momentarily.