Normal position of diaphragms on chest radiography
As a result of the heart and sub-diaphragmatic organs, the hemidiaphragms are not at the same level on frontal erect inspiratory chest radiographs, but are usually within one rib intercostal space height (~2 cm) of each other. The left hemidiaphragm is usually lower than the right.
If the left hemidiaphragm is higher than the right or the right is higher than the left by more than 3 cm, one of the many causes of diaphragmatic elevation should be considered.
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Chest
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