Guide to thoracic imaging.
BACKGROUND
Thoracic imaging is commonly ordered in general practice. Guidelines exist for ordering thoracic imaging but few are specific for general practice.


OBJECTIVE
This article summarises current indications for imaging the thorax with chest X-ray and computed tomography. A simple frame-work for interpretation of the chest X-ray, suitable for trainees and practitioners providing primary care imaging in rural and remote locations, is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
Interpretation of thoracic imaging is best done using a systematic approach. Radiological investigation is not warranted in un-complicated upper respiratory tract infections or asthma, minor trauma or acute-on-chronic chest pain.
BMBS, FRANZCR, Clinical Director Medical Imaging, Bendigo Health Care Group, Medical Imaging, Bendigo, VIC.
Sarah
S
Skinner
D058006:General Practice; D006801:Humans; D000072078:Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D013896:Thoracic Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed