Step 1: Identification of Normal Shadows

You have to know what is normal before you can recognize abnormalities. Knowledge of anatomy is essential for this purpose.

Which lung is larger?
Which diaphragm is higher and why?
What is the normal size of the heart?
What is the normal size and shape of the aorta?
It's important to have an understanding of the physiologic principles as it applies to reading chest x-rays.

Anterior View	Anterior View	Posterior View
Posterior View	Lateral View	Cross Section

Your have to visualize organs in three dimensions.

Identify the normal structures in the thorax (heart, aorta, pulmonary artery, lung fields, transverse fissure, costophrenic angles, diaphragm, breast, trachea, etc.).