CXR
The CXR is usually helpful in excluding other causes of breathlessness, such as pneumonia or pneumothorax.
A normal CXR in the acutely short of breath patient would be more likely to suggest a pulmonary embolus or COPD/asthma.
Typical radiological findings are demonstrated in the following example CXRs. They include pleural effusions, cardiogmegaly, interstitial and alveolar oedema and upper lobe diversion. Click on each CXR to see a larger version.
CXR – Large heart and interstitial and alveolar oedema
CXR Bilateral pleural effusions and upper lobe diversion
