Chest and abdomen pathology

Air where it shouldn't be

A pneumothorax is air in the pleural space, which lets part of the lung collapse. The edge of the lung shows as a thin white line with no lung markings beyond it. The routine is an upright PA chest so the air rises to the apex, and an image on expiration may be ordered because it can make a small pneumothorax easier to see. If the patient cannot sit or stand, a lateral decubitus with the affected side UP lets the air rise along the side wall where it shows. A tension pneumothorax pushes the mediastinum toward the other side and is an emergency: the radiologist or ordering provider is told right away.