Should we perform an inspiratory or an expiratory chest radiograph for the initial diagnosis of pneumothorax?

Abstract

Chest radiography for pneumothorax screening is a frequently employed test. However, there is some controversy about which radiographic technique to choose. Posteroanterior chest radiography taken during expiration has been the technique used for many decades because several experts in classical thoracic radiology, such as Greene and Felson, recommended it. However, chest radiography, with posteroanterior and lateral projections, taken during deep breath is the appropriated technique to initially assess the whole thoracic pathology. In this review we have tried to establish, based on the best available evidence, which is the initial examination of choice to diagnose pneumothorax.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Diagnóstico; Neumotórax; Pneumothorax; Posteroanterior chest radiographs in expiration; Posteroanterior chest radiographs in inspiration; Radiografía de tórax posteroanterior en espiración; Radiografía de tórax posteroanterior en inspiración; Sensibilidad; Sensitivity.