I learned how to read chest x-rays this week.....

In the PA view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as the clavicle symmetry and posterior processes of the vertebral processes are noted. There is no evidence of soft tissue or bony abnormalities. The trachea is deviated to the right. The mediastinum is not widened and the aortic knob is not clearly visualized due to a large infilrate/mass in that area. However there is a large amount of infiltrate, possibly a mass surrounding the R hilum. The cardiothoracic ratio is increased (greater than 1:2). The costophrenic angles are sharp with blunted cardiophrenic angles. The right side of the diaphragm is situated about 2 cm higher than the left with a bubble of free air found in the stomach. The lung markings extend into the periphery.

In the lateral view, there is neither over or under penetration with no evidence of rotation as both plates of the sternum are clearly visible. The retrosternal space contains infiltrate while the retrocardiac space is clear. The costophrenic angles are sharp and the right side of the diaphragm is clearly visible above the left. The infiltrate located in the PA view is shown to be located anteriorly. Degenerative changes are found in the vertebrae. The aorta is not clearly visible.