Chest X-ray: calcification and pulmonary vascular findings
THE CONTEXT
Additional chest radiographic projections can reveal obscured calcification, while lung-field findings can show the effects of heart failure or increased pulmonary blood flow.
Lateral and oblique projections
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Lateral or oblique projections may help detect pericardial calcification in constrictive pericarditis or a calcified thoracic aortic aneurysm.
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These abnormalities may be hidden by the spine on a postero-anterior view.
Lung fields and pleura
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Heart failure may produce pulmonary congestion and oedema on chest X-ray, and pleural effusions may also occur.
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A left-to-right shunt may increase pulmonary blood flow, producing pulmonary plethora.