Presentation
Patient had cardio-vascular surgery on the same day.
Patient Data
Age: 60
Gender: Male
From the case:
Deep sulcus sign
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Right pneumothorax with deep sulcus sign lateral to the liver. There is also a small pneumothorax on the apical right side.
Additionally there is a right intercostal catheter with moderate soft tissue emphysema, a central venous line from the left jugular vein, an endotracheal tube and sternal wires.
Case Discussion
The deep sulcus sign occurs due to air gathering in the ventral parts of the hemithorax when the patient is supine. Supine radiographs may be acquired with a slightly elevated upper body (e.g., 30°) to increase the chance of seeing the pneumothorax at the apices (as in this case).