Template:Pneumothorax diagnosis

Workup

• CXR
  • Displaced visceral pleural line without lung markings between pleural line and chest wall
  • Upright is best
    • Expiratory films DO NOT improve accuracy
  • Supine CXR = deep sulcus sign
• CT Chest
  • Very sensitive and specific
• Ultrasound
  • NO comet tail artifact
  • No sliding lung sign
  • Bar Code appearance on M-mode (absence of "seashore" waves)