Apical lordotic chest X-ray: what to expect

The radiographer angles your body or the X-ray beam so the collarbones project above the upper lungs instead of covering them. It is usually an additional image, not a different type of radiation test, and it may help clarify an opacity, scarring, a cavity, or another finding near a lung apex.

The apices are the uppermost parts of the lungs, just behind the collarbones. On a usual chest image, bone can overlap this area and make a subtle finding harder to assess. The lordotic projection changes that overlap; it does not by itself diagnose a particular condition.

A radiologist interprets this image together with the standard chest views, your symptoms, previous images, and clinical history. Depending on what prompted the request, the report may describe the area as clear, explain a benign overlap, or recommend another test when an abnormality remains uncertain.

Tell the imaging team if you are or could be pregnant, cannot stand steadily, or have shoulder or back pain that affects positioning. You may need to remove necklaces, metal fasteners, or clothing that lies over the chest. Follow the radiographer's breathing instruction and remain still for the brief exposure.

Afterward, arrange to receive the written report from the clinician who requested the image. Do not treat a technical term in isolation: ask which lung area it refers to, whether it was present before, and whether comparison imaging or a different scan is needed.

The need for urgent care depends on your symptoms, not on the name of the X-ray view. Seek emergency help for severe trouble breathing, blue or grey lips, fainting, confusion, or chest pain with sweating or collapse. Contact a clinician promptly for coughing up blood, worsening breathlessness, persistent fever, or a cough accompanied by unexplained weight loss or night sweats.

Ask what feature the extra view was intended to clarify, whether the upper lungs were fully visible, and how the report fits your symptoms. If follow-up is suggested, confirm which test is proposed, what question it should answer, and when you should expect the result.