What is cardiac silhouette?

The cardiac silhouette is the outline of the heart as seen on a chest X-ray. It is formed by the heart's borders, which are the right and left heart borders and the superior and inferior heart borders. The cardiac silhouette is important in diagnosing heart conditions, such as heart failure, valvular heart disease, and congenital heart defects.

The right heart border is formed by the right atrium and right ventricle. The left heart border is formed by the left atrium and left ventricle. The superior heart border is formed by the aortic arch and the pulmonary artery. The inferior heart border is formed by the diaphragm.

The cardiac silhouette can vary in size and shape depending on a person's age, sex, and body size. It can also vary depending on the person's position, such as whether they are standing or lying down.

A normal cardiac silhouette is usually oval or pear-shaped. It should be about the same size as a clenched fist. The borders of the cardiac silhouette should be smooth and well-defined.

Any changes in the size, shape, or borders of the cardiac silhouette can be a sign of a heart condition. For example, an enlarged cardiac silhouette may be a sign of heart failure or valvular heart disease. A displaced cardiac silhouette may be a sign of a congenital heart defect.

A chest X-ray is a simple and painless test that can provide valuable information about the heart and other structures in the chest. If you have any symptoms that suggest a heart condition, your doctor may order a chest X-ray to help diagnose the problem.