Sunday November 16, 2008


Q: Which phase of respiration on CXR is better to detect pneumothorax (like after inserting central venous catheter)
- inspiration or expiration ?


A: Expiration

Inspiration or expiration doesn't effect the volume of air in pleural space and pneumothorax can be detected better in expiration with less air volume in lung parenchyma, visually magnifying the air in pleural area.