The systematic evaluation of the chest radiograph in cystic fibrosis

Abstract

In antero-posterior and lateral chest radiographs of patients with cystic fibrosis changes may be observed which reflect underlying lung abnormalities. Increases in lung volume can result in forward bowing of the sternum, diaphragmatic depression and spinal kyphosis. Parenchymal lung changes which are directly or indirectly a consequence of bronchiolar mucus plugging with infection, include mottled shadowing and ring shadowing. Prominence of bronchial line shadows is also commonly seen. Large shadows due to confluent consolidation or collapse may occur. This paper gives a technique for the systematic evaluation of these changes which are then represented in numerical ternis The method gives repeatable results. The information recorded facilitates comparison of chest radiographs with each other and the comparison of radiological features with clinical and physiological assessments.