In order to emphasize the necessity and value of the exact lateral projection in roentgenologic examination of the chest, a group of cases have been collected, and are reported herein.
Several observers have emphasized the value of the oblique projection.1 Valuable as this method has proved to be, the direct lateral projection, in our opinion, exceeds it. Up to the time of the use of the Potter-Bucky diaphragm, the direct lateral projection was not practicable in the majority of adults; but now, even in heavy individuals, good lateral roentgenograms can be obtained. The oblique projection, even if stereoscopic roentgenograms are made, cannot be interpreted so correctly as can lateral roentgenograms. However, at times, oblique projection is necessary, particularly in the study of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract or esophagus. This position is indispensable in searching for lesions of the esophagus, and in the examination of the heart, aorta