Assessment of normal subcarinal angle on chest radiographs in adult Thai population.

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the normal value of the subcarinal angle in the adult Thai population and whether there is a relationship between the subcarinal angle and the patient’s age, gender, and thoracic shape. Methods: The chest radiographs of 163 healthy patients were retrospectively reviewed. The subcarinal angle was analyzed with consensus by two radiologists. Quantitative variables are expressed as the mean ± standard deviation of the mean. The relationship of the subcarinal angle with the patient’s age, gender, and thoracic index were analysed using the Pearson correlation method. Results: A total of 163 patients (75 men and 88 women; age range 21-63 years; mean age 44 years) were enrolled. The mean subcarinal angle was 62°. There was no relationship between subcarinal angle and age, gender, and height or width of the thoracic cage. Conclusion: There is wide range of normal values for the subcarinal angle. The mean subcarinal angle was 62°. There was no relationship of the subcarinal angle to age, gender, or thoracic shape.