Tests and treatments

Chest X-ray

What is it?

What is it?

A chest X-ray is an X-ray photo of the lungs, the aorta, the heart, the vertebral column and the ribs.

What is the process?

What is the process?

You will be placed between a plate that is sensitive to X-rays and an X-ray machine. After inhaling deeply, the image will be taken from an anterior-posterior view and from the side.

What are the risks?

What are the risks?

No side effects are expected as the radiation dose is low.

Results

Results

Medical imaging of the organs inside the rib case help determine a diagnosis. A chest X-ray can help detect:

  • an enlarged heart
  • fluid accumulation in or around the lungs
  • widened aorta
  • pulmonary infection
  • a collapsed lung

In addition, a chest X-ray can help evaluate the position of the electrodes (pacemaker or defibrillator).

Centres and specialist areas

Centres and specialist areas

Latest publication date: 12/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Provenier Frank