Pediatric Chest Radiographs: Normal Variants and Reporting

A pediatric chest radiograph should not be read with an adult template. The thymus can widen the mediastinal contour, crying and low inspiration can increase basal opacity, and AP supine technique can magnify the heart. Age, projection, and clinical condition are needed to separate a normal variant from disease.

Radiation field should be limited and unnecessary repeat imaging avoided. If a technical imperfection does not prevent an answer to the clinical question, repeating the image only for appearance may not be justified. Neonatal and intensive care examinations require separate device review.

Assessment framework

• Check age, projection, position, and inspiration.