Lateral decubitus views (patient lying on the side) are good for evaluating pneumothorax and pleural effusion. This particular film shows a patient on the left side.
In lateral views, the beam traveling from right to left minimizes the magnification of the heart.
Anterior-Posterior (AP) No image available
Evaluate for Right Ventricle Enlargement Evidence of an enlarged right ventricle can be as follows: Elevation of cardiac apex from the diaphragm Anterior enlargement on lateral view leading to loss of retrosternal airspace or contact of RV with the...
Evaluate for Right Atrial (RA) Enlargement Evidence of right atrial enlargement can be as follows: Increased curvature of the right heart border Enlargement of the superior vena cava (SVC) No image available
Evaluate for Pericardial Effusion Evidence of a pericardial effusion can be as follows: A globular heart Loss of the indentations of the left mediastinal border Separation of peri- and epi-cardial fat pads on the lateral film
Evaluate for Left Ventricle (LV) Enlargement Evidence of an enlarged left ventricle can be as follows: Displacement of cardiac apex inferiorly and posteriorly Boot shaped heart Rigler’s sign (on the lateral film from the junction of the inferior vena cava (IVC)...
Evaluate for Left Atrium Enlargement Evidence of an enlarged left atrium can be as follows: Straightening of the left heart border Increased opacity of the lower right side of a cardiovascular border (double heart border) Elevation of the left main stem bronchus...
Heart Structures – Lateral View Different visualization of heart structures.
Identify Structures – Lateral View Identify heart chambers and vessels on a lateral view. RA = right atrium RV = right ventricle LPA – left pulmonary artery RPA = right pulmonary artery LA = left atrium LV = left ventricle
