Presentation
Fever and shortness of breath. To exclude pneumonia.
Patient Data
A curvilinear lucency is observed following the contour of the right chest wall. The broad appearance and extension of lung markings beyond the lucency support the impression of a skin fold.
Interval development of patchy right lower zone consolidation suggestive of pneumonia. The previously seen linear lucency is not appreciated on this PA projection.
Case Discussion
Skin folds are a well known mimicker of pneumothorax, more commonly seen on AP projections where the patient's back is pressed against the detector. This case demonstrates features which suggest a skin fold, notably the presence of lung markings beyond the linear opacification and its broad appearance.
The repeat PA projection (4 days later) shows resolution of the mimic and development of right lower zone consolidation suggestive of the original suspected diagnosis.
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