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Cardiomediastinal outlines on chest x-ray

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis not applicable

Chest x-ray

x-ray

Chest x-ray demonstrate normal cardiomediastinal outlines. No pulmonary or pleural mass identified. There is a minor degree of hyperinflation, which may represent a degree of underlying COPD. 

Annotated

Annotated image

Annotated frontal and lateral chest x-ray with structures that account for the mediastinal outline labeled. 

Case Discussion

A thorough understanding of the structures which normally contribute to cardiomediastinal outline is essential in being able to interpret chest x-rays and localize abnormalities. 

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