What would you expect to observe on a chest X-ray of a patient with cystic fibrosis?

In a patient with cystic fibrosis, one would expect to observe translucent lung fields with a flattened diaphragm on a chest X-ray. This presentation is indicative of the hyperinflation of the lungs due to trapped air, which occurs as a result of obstructed airways from thick mucus buildup. As mucus clogs the airways, it leads to diminished airflow and chronic infection, causing lung expansion and eventual hyperinflation visible on the X-ray.

The flattened diaphragm is a result of the overinflated lungs, where the diaphragm is pushed downwards due to the increase in lung volume. This contrasts with typical findings in healthy individuals, where the diaphragm maintains a dome shape.

In summary, the characteristic appearance of translucent lung fields coupled with diaphragm flattening on chest X-ray is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis, reflecting the obstructive changes in the pulmonary architecture caused by the disease.