Copyright © 2001 [Gerald R. Aben, MD MSU Department of Radiology]. All rights reserved.
Revised: April 05, 2005
Collaboration with:
Gary Ferenchick, M.D.
Richard Martin, M.D.
David Solomon, Ph.D.
OMERAD

Top 10 Chest Pathologies

 

Pneumothorax

 
On the inspiration film, the pneumothorax in this patient can only be identified with care.  White arrows denote the visceral pleura.
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On expiration, the lungs collapse while the air in the pleural space does not decrease in volume.  This coupled with the relative increased density of the lungs in expiration accentuates the pneumothorax.