Acquired heart disease in adults: what can a chest X-ray tell us? / La patología cardiaca adquirida del adulto: ¿qué se puede decir con la radiografía de tórax?

ABSTRACT

The last 25 to 30 years have seen enormous advances in imaging techniques for the diagnosis of heart disease (echocardiography, cardiac MRI, CT angiography, etc.). Nevertheless, the first imaging test done in patient with heart disease continues to be plain-film chest X-rays. This economical, widely available technique makes it possible to follow up patients with heart disease and even to assess the severity of disease in some cases. This article explains how to read a chest X-ray systematically and the radiologic signs that make possible to suspect heart disease; it also provides detailed information about the signs of heart failure and the meaning of cardiac calcifications. CONCLUSION: Plain-film chest X-rays provide valuable additional information in the diagnosis and management of adult patients with heart disease.