The superior mediastinum is widened. The right heart border is wavy and irregular. The lateral film demonstrates abnormal opacity posteriorly. Infiltrates are present in the lower lobes bilaterally.
Chest radiography suggests the abnormality to involve much of the thorax.
A patient with an abscess this size would be much more ill than the patient in this example. Although CT scan might be considered as the next examination, the size of the abnormality and the history of dysphagia, suggest an UGI exam as a reasonable approach. The UGI Reveals the esophagus to be markedly dilated. On the PA view of the chest, the esophagus forms the medial border of the right lung. Retained secretions and food are seen in the distal esophagus.