Are there any reasons for the heart to appear large on the chest X-ray?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I went to a chiropractor for lower back pain, and they took X-rays. They told me that my heart looked large. Therefore, I wanted to get a professional radiologist's opinion on it. I am not an athlete, and my health is average.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

On examining your X-ray (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), I find that the heart shadow is “apparently large” but actually not large. This is a very common aspect of the chest X-ray where the heart shadow “appears large” whenever the person is slightly rotated. Rotation on your chest X-ray is due to the asymmetric distances of the medial ends of the clavicles from the C7 spinous process. Therefore, your heart is of normal diameter, and no further action may be required. Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You are welcome. Best wishes.