Therefore, the film absorbs less photons and appears white. Plain films are not very sensitive. A great deal of pathology is missed on plain films. They are also not very specific since the majority of possible pathology falls under the catagory of fluid or soft tissue density making it difficult to differentiate. Detection rates of abnormality.
Plain films are poor screening exams.
A radiologist may not agree with the original diagnosis he or she made on the same film. In a retrospective review of medical legal cases involving missed diagnosis of chest films, the most commonly missed pathology occured in the right upper lobe. Other high risk areas included the retrocardiac area, the peripheral lung margins, and posterior costophrenic sulci. All rights reserved.