Chest radiography mnemonic

A systematic approach to reading a chest X-ray

The mnemonic

ABCDE

What each word stands for

  • AAirway: trachea and bronchi
  • BBreathing: lungs and pleura
  • CCardiac: size and borders of the heart and mediastinum
  • DDiaphragm and below: costophrenic angles and free air
  • EEverything else: bones, soft tissue, lines and tubes

Why it matters clinically

A routine that stops you from stopping at the first abnormality.

Where it stops being reliable

Several versions of the ABCDE approach exist with slightly different letters. The principle, a fixed order every time, matters more than the exact words.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Chest radiography mnemonic?

ABCDE. It helps you recall: A systematic approach to reading a chest X-ray.

What does "A" stand for?

Airway: trachea and bronchi

What does "B" stand for?

Breathing: lungs and pleura

What does "C" stand for?

Cardiac: size and borders of the heart and mediastinum

What are all the parts of the ABCDE mnemonic?

A: Airway: trachea and bronchi; B: Breathing: lungs and pleura; C: Cardiac: size and borders of the heart and mediastinum; D: Diaphragm and below: costophrenic angles and free air; E: Everything else: bones, soft tissue, lines and tubes.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Chest radiography in Radiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Several versions of the ABCDE approach exist with slightly different letters. The principle, a fixed order every time, matters more than the exact words.

How is this useful clinically?

A routine that stops you from stopping at the first abnormality.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Radiology question about Chest radiography.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.