Where should the endotracheal (ET) tube sit?
The tip of the ET tube should be a few centimetres above the carina. In this case it is inserted into the right main bronchus, occluding the air supply to the left lung.
Although there is evidence of consolidation in the right lung, how can you tell the left lung has collapsed?
The left cardiac and mediastinal markings, as well as the left hemidiaphragm, have been obscured. This means the air/soft-tissue interface has been lost so the lung has collapsed.
What else should you mention when reporting this film?
There is a right central line sitting over the SVC. This has almost certainly just been inserted and should be commented on. There is no sign on this study of a pneumothorax which is an important complication of line insertion.
ETT tube in the right main bronchus. Should be removed at least 5 cm to be above carina.
Right internal jugular central venous catheter. Tip in SVC. No pneumothorax.
Collapse of the unaerated left lung, with background airspace opacification on the right.