Radiographic recognition of pneumothorax in the intensive care unit

Recognizing pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax on chest x-rays of supine ICU patients requires attention to areas other than the lung apex. Pleural air in a supine patient collects in the anterior costophrenic sulcus, producing hyperlucency over the upper abdominal quadrants, and the deep costophren...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inCritical care medicine Vol. 14; no. 8; p. 677
Main Authors Chiles, C, Ravin, C E
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.1986
Subjects
Critical Care
Humans
Hydropneumothorax - diagnostic imaging
Intensive Care Units
Pneumothorax - diagnostic imaging
Posture
Radiography
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Summary:Recognizing pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax on chest x-rays of supine ICU patients requires attention to areas other than the lung apex. Pleural air in a supine patient collects in the anterior costophrenic sulcus, producing hyperlucency over the upper abdominal quadrants, and the deep costophrenic sulcus sign. Hydropneumothorax may be recognized when a sharp pleural line is bordered by increased opacity within the pleural space. The presence of pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax can be confirmed by decubitus or upright chest x-rays.
ISSN:0090-3493
DOI:10.1097/00003246-198608000-00002