Cardiac evaluation
n Remember: cardiothoracic ratio of about
0.5 applies only to good PA chest x-rays.
n Knowing which chambers form which
cardiac contours can help identify what is
enlarged.
n Look for accompanying signs:
n Pulmonary venous engorgement and isolated
LA enlargement suggests mitral stenosis.
n Dilated aorta and LV enlargement suggests
aortic valve insufficiency.