Anatomical Knowledge Base of Radiographers in the Accurate Reporting of Chest Radiographs in South East Nigerian Hospitals

Chest radiography remains the most frequently performed diagnostic imaging examination in Nigerian hospitals and serves as the first-line investigation for cardiopulmonary conditions including pneumonia, tuberculosis, cardiomegaly, pleural effusion, and pneumothorax. The accuracy of radiographic interpretation depends critically on the radiographer's anatomical knowledge of thoracic structures, including mediastinal boundaries, pulmonary segments, cardiac silhouette, and diaphragmatic anatomy. Deficiencies in this knowledge may result in missed diagnoses or misinterpretation of normal variants as pathological findings. This study aims to evaluate the anatomical knowledge base of radiographers involved in chest radiograph acquisition and preliminary reporting at secondary and tertiary hospitals in three South East states, namely Enugu, Anambra, and Imo. A structured knowledge assessment questionnaire using annotated radiographic images will be administered to 100 radiographers. Scores will be correlated with educational qualification, years of practice, and continuing professional development participation. The study anticipates identifying systematic anatomical knowledge gaps that will inform the design of targeted anatomy continuing education modules for radiographers in the South East geopolitical zone.

Keywords: chest radiograph, radiographers, anatomical knowledge, thoracic anatomy, South East Nigeria