Chest radiograph findings commonly seen in cystic fibrosis?

• A. Hyperinflation and flattened diaphragms
• B. Normal heart size
• C. Small lungs with atelectasis only
• D. No abnormalities

Answer: (A)

Air trapping from thick, obstructive secretions in cystic fibrosis causes overdistension of the lungs, so the chest radiograph shows hyperinflation and flattened diaphragms. This pattern reflects the high air volume remaining after exhalation due to small-airway obstruction and mucus plugging. Along with that, you may see increased peribronchial markings and basilar subsegmental atelectasis, and as the disease progresses, bronchiectasis may appear. The heart size is usually normal, so the hallmark feature isn’t a change in heart size but the lung overinflation. Other choices imply no abnormality or a different pattern (such as small or collapsed lungs), which doesn’t match the common CF presentation.