Chest X-ray

A vague nodular density overlieas the right lower lung field. The report states this finding is probably artifactual. The report also says in the last sentance "Thoracic spine degenerative changes" What does this mean??

[National Jewish Health]

“Artifactual” means that the shadow described as “a vague nodular density” is the result of the x-ray technique, itself.  Not dissimilar to the kind of shadows that sometimes show-up on our own photographic snap-shots that have no basis in reality; a product of how the light strikes the film or camera sensors.  In both cases apparent rather than real.  The easiest way to confirm this is with a repeat x-ray, but that is not really necessary.

“Thoracic spine degenerative changes” means that there are signs of arthritis in the middle section of your bony spine.  These are very common findings, especially as we age, and of themselves are of little or no consequence.

You should ask your doctor, how severe the degenerative changes are.