In the P-A projection the normal heart takes up about 30% of the diaphragmatic surface. Similarly in the lateral projection the heart takes up a third of the diaphragmatic surface. In addition the heart takes up the bottom 1/3 of the retrosternal air space.
Ashley Davidoff MD
This a normal frontal chest X ray of a 40 year old male with a good inspiration.
Ashley Davidoff MD
This a normal lateral chest X ray of a 40 year old male with mild pectus excavatum
Ashley Davidoff MD
This a normal frontal chest X ray of a 40 year old male with a poor inspiration which results in the false appearance of cardiomegaly and crowding of the lung markings.
Ashley Davidoff MD