Chest X-rays are less sensitive than multiple breath washout examinations when it comes to detecting early cystic fibrosis lung disease.

Aim: Annual chest X-ray is recommended as routine surveillance to track cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical utility of chest X-rays to track CF lung disease.

Methods: Children at Gothenburg's CF centre who underwent chest X-rays, multiple breath washouts and chest computed tomography examinations between 1996 and 2016 were included in the study.