Wednesday January 17, 2007
Skinfold and pneumothorax !!


One dreaded mistake which can be make by any seasoned pulmonologist / intensivist / radiologist is reading skinfold as a pneumothorax.

Two observations may help:

1. If lung markings are visible beyond the edge of the opacification, reconsider diagnosis of pneumothorax and get second opinion before attempting drainage.

2. A pneumothorax gives rise to a thin pleural edge whereas a skin fold shows as a thick opaque band.

(Compare both images above)