How should a CXR be read?

Patient data: Name, history number, age, sex, old films?
Technique: AP or PA, exposure, rotation, supine or erect position, portable?
Trachea: Midline or deviated, caliber?
Lungs: Abnormal shadowing?
Pulmonary vessels: Artery or vein enlargement?
Hila: Masses, lymphadenopathy?
Heart: Ratio of the thoracic width to the cardiac width (normal is > 2:1), valve calcifications, cardiac configuration?
Mediastinal contour: Widening mass?
Pleura: Effusion, thickening, calcification?
Bones: Lesions, fractures?
Soft tissues: Check every part of the CXR for abnormalities, including below the diaphragm. Don't miss a mastectomy!
Tubes and lines: Proper positioning?