Question

A routine chest x-ray has been ordered on a very elderly patient with severe kyphosis. She is able to stand at the upright Bucky, so you set the SID at 72 inches. You notice that in standard PA position, because she cannot lift her chin out of the way, a substantial OID gap of about 6 inches is created.

How can magnification of the heart and other mediastinal structures be kept at a minimum?

Answer 1

Severe kyphosis is the form of spinal disorder in which an excessive outward curve is observed of the spine that results in an abnormal rounding of the upper back. This is the condition which is also known as round back in severe cases. This is observed in any kind of age. Severe kyphosis causes pain as well as disfiguring which may include medication for pain and physiotherapy. The treatment of kyphosis is based on age which may cause the effect of the curvature.
The magnification of the heart and other media stationary structure which can be kept at a minimum could be 75 kV is too low. Hence the ideal kV range is 110 to 125. This increases the kV and reduces the mAs for repeated exposure.