ABSTRACT
Technique and positioning Choosing thoracic views At least two orthogonal views (right or left lateral and ventrodorsal or dorsoventral views) should be obtained for each thoracic study. Evidence supports obtaining at least three views because of the effect recumbency has on lesion conspicuity. This is true especially when clinical suspicion is present for aspiration or bronchopneumonia, pulmonary bullae, any unilateral or nondiffuse pulmonary disease, or when radiographs are obtained as a screening for metastasis. As exact diagnosis is often unknown at the time of imaging due to overlapping clinical signs, many radiologists advocate three-or four-view thoracic studies as standard of care.
