Presentation
Skateboard accident.
Patient Data
Age: 40 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Pneumothorax: inspiratory and expiratory films
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This is a nice example of the value of an expiratory film to improve the conspicuity of a pneumothorax. The image shows increase in apparent size of the pneumothorax on the expiratory view compared to the inspiratory view. Arrows show the pleura. Also seen is an acute clavicular fracture on the right. No rib fractures are seen though there may be an occult one.
Case Discussion
Pneumothoraces should become more visible on expiratory projections. They do not actually increase in volume but are more prominent because of the differential in pressures change from inspiration to expiration.