Dr.

Josef Siregar

Cardio-thoracic
Ratio

One of the easiest

observations to make is the
cardio-thoracic ratio which
is the widest diameter of the
heart compared to the
widest internal diameter of
the rib cage

<50%

In most normal people the

cardio-thoracic ratio is less
than 50%

Sometimes, the
cardiothoracic ratio is >50%
but the heart is still normal
These are the causes:

Extracardiac causes of cardiac

enlargement

Portable AP films

Obesity

Pregnant

Ascites

Straight back syndrome

Pectus excavatum

Effect of AP versus PA film on heart size

AP

PA

On an AP chest film (the usual portable chest radiograph in which the xray beam enters anteriorly and exits posteriorly), there is more
magnification. Look at the size of the heart in the two films on the same
patient side by side.

Effect of Inspiratory effort on heart size

Inspiration

Expiration

In expiration the heart appears larger than it does on full inspiration. A

pregnant patient, one with ascites, or an obese patient might not be able
to take a full inspiration which might make the heart look bigger than it
actually is. Eight to nine posterior ribs showing is a good inspiration.

Effect of chest wall deformity on heart size

>50%

The lower portion of this patients sternum bows inward toward the
heart. The heart is compressed between the sternal abnormality (which
is called a pectus excavatum deformity) and the spine. On the frontal
radiograph, the heart may appear enlarged.

How can you tell if the heart is enlarged

on an AP (usually portable) film

If the heart touches the lateral chest wall,

its enlarged

Enlarged or not?

Yes

Yes

No

This is a pectus
excavatum deformity
of the sternum which
is compressing the
heart and making it
appear larger than it
really is. The clue to
the deformity on the
frontal film is the
extreme downward
orientation of the
anterior ribs.

No

Yes