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Chest x-ray in normal pregnancy

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chest pain. 39/40 pregnant.

Patient Data

Age: 30
Gender: Female
x-ray

Prominence to the vascular markings. Normal cardiomediastinal contour. Lungs and pleural spaces are clear. 

Case Discussion

There are minimal changes to the chest x-ray in a normal pregnancy. Some normal findings in late pregnancy include: 

  • prominence of the pulmonary vasculature and/or flattened left heart border (due to increased blood volume and cardiac output)
  • elevation of the diaphragm
  • the cardiac silhouette may appear more "horizontal"

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