Chest X-ray in pediatrics. A systematic interpretation

Abstract

Reading the chest radiograph requires training and repetition. The basic projections are: left lateral and posteroanterior. It is recommended to follow an order in interpretation: patient identification, projection, description of the technique (using the mnemonics GERICA), review of soft tissues, bony parts, diaphragmatic dome, mediastinum, cardiac silhouette and finally the lung parenchyma; all this considering the differences in pediatric age (changes in the technique by age group, bone variations, normal values of the cardiothoracic index, presence of thymus, etc.). All this will help us not to overlook any alteration and get the most out of this study, which is present in the daily life of every clinician.