Lateral view On a normal lateral view the contours of the heart are visible and the IVC is seen entering the right atrium. The retrosternal space should be radiolucent, since it only contains air. Any radiopacity in this area is suspective of a proces in the anterior mediastinum or upper lobes of the lung. As you go from superior to inferior over the vertebral bodies they should get darker, because usually there will be less soft tissue and more radiolucent lung tissue (red arrow). If this is not the case, look carefully for pathology in the lower lobes. #Clinical #Anatomy #Radiology #CXR #Lateral #Normal #Labeled #RadiologyAssistant
