Abstract
Chest x-ray is one of the examinations/tests of the annual check-up program in Thailand. Routine
CXR is also occasionally required of future employees, or university students before admission. However
in many countries prevalence of abnormal chest x-ray on annual checkup is low yield and high cost. Purpose: The study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal annual check-up CXR in Pua Crown
Prince Hospital and to find out the correlation between age group and prevalence of abnormal CXR.
Methodology: Descriptive analysis and to cross sectional design were used in this study. All patients
who came for annual checkup and CXR at Pua Crown Prince Hospital during 1 January to 31 December
2013 were included. All of CXR evaluated by radiologist were analyzed by using SPSS 21. Findings:
Among 1,569 cases of annual checkup at Pua Crown Prince Hospital during 1 January to 31 December
2013, 1,446 routine CXRs were found and 21 films were technically poor. Consequently 1,425 films were
included in this study. Prevalence of abnormal CXR was 3.15% and 1.82% of abnormal CXR was cardiomegaly.
Lung abnormality was 0.63%. The remaining abnormalities were scoliosis of thoracic spine and
renal stone. Discussion: Prevalence of abnormal screening chest x-ray on annual medical checkup is low.
Most of abnormal findings were cardiomegaly. Findings of lung abnormality were low. Screening CXR
would also lead to unnecessary radiation, and false-positive screening resulting in physical risk, unwarranted
anxiety and more expenditure. Screening CXR is appropriately reserved for high-risk patients and
those with relevant clinical findings.
