ICU Chest Films > Air in the Chest > Pneumothorax > Pneumothorax in the Supine Patient


Pneumothorax in the Supine Patient

In the supine patient, intrapleural air rises anteriorly and medially, often making the diagnosis of pneumothorax difficult. The anteromedial and subpulmonary locations are the initial areas of air collection in the supine patient. An apical pneumothorax in a supine patient is a sign that a large volume of air is present. Subpulmonic pneumothorax occurs when air accumulates between the base of the lung and the diaphragm. Anterolateral air may increase the radiolucency at the costophrenic sulcus. This is called the deep sulcus sign. Other signs of subpulmonic pneumothorax include a hyperlucent upper quadrant with visualization of the superior surface of the diaphragm and visualization of the inferior vena cava.


The deep sulcus sign is seen here (arrow) in the left lung base.