Chest X-ray and Fluoroscopy - Diagnostic Evaluation of Cardiovascular Function

CHEST X-RAY AND FLUOROSCOPY

A chest x-ray usually is obtained to determine the size, contour, and position of the heart. It reveals cardiac and pericardial calci-fications and demonstrates physiologic alterations in the pul-monary circulation. It does not help diagnose acute MI but can help diagnose some complications (eg, HF). Correct placement of cardiac catheters, such as pacemakers and pulmonary artery catheters, is also confirmed by chest x-ray.

Fluoroscopy allows visualization of the heart on an x-ray screen. It shows cardiac and vascular pulsations and unusual car-diac contours. Fluoroscopy is useful for positioning intravenous pacing electrodes and for guiding catheter insertion during car-diac catheterization.