How does one assess cardiac structure and function on a CXR?

1. Assess the cardiac silhouette to evaluate the heart size. Note any calcifications.
2. Note the size of the individual chambers.
3. Note the size and position of the great vessels.
4. Note the pulmonary vascularity. Is it increased? Decreased?
5. Look at the extracardiac structures (i.e., the ribs and chest wall).