Roentgenology of the Mediastinum

Abstract

Properly exposed simple roentgenograms are useful in detecting and assessing mediastinal disease. Because the physical densities of the lungs and the mediastinum differ, minimal requirements for examination of the chest, even for routine survey purposes, are a suitably exposed frontal projection for evaluation of the lateral two-thirds of the lungs plus frontal and lateral grid roentgenograms which allow visualization of the mediastinum and portions of the lungs not otherwise visible.

Properly performed chest roentgenography constitutes little or no known hazard to the patient.