Chest X rays (CXR) are not routinely ordered and are usually limited to patients listed for major surgery with substantial cardiac or respiratory disease, heavy smoking or exposure to TB.

They may be requested as part of the surgical work up of the patient.

Patients with acute respiratory symptoms may require a CXR as part of their medical management to exclude pneumothorax and diagnose infection. These conditions should be treated prior to elective surgery.

Fig 1 shows untreated pneumothorax and this is particularly dangerous in conjunction with positive pressure ventilation.

Fig 2 shows Military TB in a child.

Fig 3 shows Ruptured diaphragm in a child

Available in the Downloads section of the Resources page: Interpretation of the chest radiograph – Part 1 Anaesthesia tutorial of the week 146 Resource 38: Interpretation of the chest radiograph – Part 2 Anaesthesia tutorial of the week 150 Resource 39: Interpretation of the chest radiograph – Part 3 Anaesthesia tutorial of the week 154