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CXR Case 150

A 69 yo lady presents with a fall, productive cough, fever and dyspnoea

CXR CASE 150 CXR LITFL

Describe and interpret this CXR

CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION

There is marked tracheal and mediastinal deviation to the left, reflecting collapse and volume loss of the left lower lobe.
There is a fracture of the 7th rib on the left side and a further fracture of the 7th rib on the right side.

* There are air bronchograms visible in the left mid zone suggesting consolidation
* There is a small left apical rim of air, probably a small pneumothorax


CLINICAL CORRELATION

This lady may well require positive pressure…

Either NIV, mechanical ventilation or airway maneuvers from the physio to re-inflate the lung, which means that a CT would be indicated to establish if this is a pneumothorax


CLINICAL PEARLS

The pneumothorax is most likely from the rib fracture.

Secondary pneumothorax in the context of no (known) lung pathology prior is quite unusual.

*This may be a sign of underlying emphysema or necrosis of the visceral pleura

TOP 150 CXR SERIES

Prof Fraser Brims Curtin Medical School, acute and respiratory medicine specialist, immediate care in sport doc, ex-Royal Navy, academic| Top 100 CXR | Google Scholar | ICIS Course ANZ

One comment

  1. I highly appreciate the efforts for making these X. Rays available with explanation. It was of great help to me.

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