Pleural Ultrasonography versus Chest Radiography for the Diagnosis of Pneumothorax

Abstract

Pneumothorax is known as the presence of air within the pleural space, it represent a common problem in the Intensive Care Units as the result of central venous line insertion. PTX represents an important cause of respiratory failure that requires urgent intervemtion to avoid catastrophic consequences. Traditionally, chest X Ray had been the first ivestigation either to rule out or confirm the diagnosis of PTX in the case of trauma or after invasive intervention. If there is uncertainty in regards to the results of CXR and the patient is stable, it is encouraged to lead further imaging with ultrasonography or CT scan. Chest US use for detection of PTX has recently been used as the method of choice with physicians skilled at bedside US. US has many advantages in comparison to standard CXR and CT scan, such as being portable,lack of radiation, real-time imaging,in addition it is less time consuming, and has the ability to be easily repeated for further evaluations.