View

Question 1

What view is ‘AP’?

Answer 1

Anteroposterior.

Question 2

What view is ‘PA’?

Answer 2

Posteroanterior.

Question 3

Describe posteroanterior (PA) view of X-ray.

Answer 3

• Beam passes through the chest from back to front.
• Patient must stand whilst CXR is taken.

Question 4

Describe the anteroposterior (AP) view of X-ray.

Answer 4

• Beam passes through the chest from the front to the back.
• Portable CXR’s performed at patients bedside are AP.

Question 5

Why is Posteroanterior (PA) view of X-ray preferred over Anteroposterior (AP)?

Answer 5

• Structures in the anterior part of the chest appear larger (i.e heart due to magnification).
• Potential interference in image from scapulae.
• Could lead to incorrect diagnosis of cardiomegaly.

Question 6

Why would a lateral view X-ray be done?

Answer 6

• May reveal lesions behind the heart near the mediastinum or near the diaphragm.
• Together with a frontal view, the lateral can provide a 3-D view of the chest.