X-ray can
be used to demonstrate the presence of pnuemothorax, as in these three
examples:
-
Pneumothorax is typically seen as absent lung markings at the right
apex and the lung edge (Fig 1)
- Haemopneumothorax, shows the addition of a horizontal fluid level
at the right costophrenic angle (Fig 2)
- Tension pneumothorax has completely absent lung markings on the
right, with the right lung collapsed and pushed across into the left
hemithorax, along with the mediastinal contents (Fig 3)
This is a right tension pneumothorax and needs
emergency treatment.