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Table 7.5

Chest X-Ray Abnormalities Possible in Pulmonary Embolism, Aortic Dissection and Oesophageal Rupture

DiagnosisPossible abnormalities (on PA and lateral films)
Pulmonary embolism

Focal infiltrate

Segmental collapse

Raised hemidiaphragm

Pleural effusion

Aortic dissection

Widening or double lumen to aortic knuckle

Irregular aortic contour

Discrepancy in diameter of ascending and descending thoracic aorta

Pleural effusion

Mediastinal widening

Displacement of calcified intima

Oesophageal rupture

Mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema

Paraspinal mass

Pleural effusion