Presentation
Penetrating trauma to the left hemithorax. Short of breath.
Patient Data
Age: 17 years
Gender: Male
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/117875/annotated_viewer_json?_c=1669521803\u0026lang=us"}
Hydropneumothorax on the left. The gas-fluid level extends across the entire left thoracic cavity. Superior to this, the hemithorax is relatively hypertransradiant and the pleural margin is seen as a thin line roughly parallel to the chest wall.
Case Discussion
Erect positioning is optimal for diagnosis of hydropneumothorax as the gas-fluid level is tangential to the horizontal x-ray beam. The gas-fluid level extends across the thoracic cavity from wall to wall.