CXRs

CXRs, or Chest X-rays, are a type of medical imaging used to examine the structures within the chest, including the heart, lungs, and surrounding tissues. This non-invasive procedure involves projecting X-rays onto a detector or film, creating a 2D image of the internal structures. CXRs are commonly used to diagnose a variety of conditions, such as pneumonia, lung cancer, and heart disease. They are particularly useful for detecting abnormalities like fluid in the lungs, collapsed lungs, or enlarged heart shadows. The procedure is quick, painless, and exposes the patient to a relatively low dose of radiation. However, it has limitations, such as its inability to provide detailed images of the heart or lungs and its potential to miss certain conditions, especially in the presence of dense tissues like bone. Despite these limitations, CXRs remain a fundamental tool in medical diagnostics due to their cost-effectiveness, speed, and widespread availability.