Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Dawes L, Silverstone L, Walizai T, et al. Hemithorax white-out (differential). Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 29 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-1439
Complete white-out of a hemithorax on the chest x-ray has a limited number of causes. The differential diagnosis can be shortened further with one simple observation: the position of the trachea, heart and mediastinum. Are they central, or are they displaced towards or away from the opacified lung? Changes in volume of the opacified hemithorax will also affect rib spacing.
Volume loss
No change in volume
Increased volume
See also
What is the most likely reason for complete opacification of this patient's left hemithorax?
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