Radiographic evaluation of the pleural fluid accumulation rate after pneumonectomy

Abstract Purpose Understanding the radiographic appearance and normal rate of fluid accumulation after pneumonectomy is important in order to detect postoperative complications. Methods Upright posterior–anterior chest radiographs of 94 postpneumonectomy patients were assessed for the rate of pleural fluid accumulation as a percentage of hemithorax volume. Results Overall median time to 70% hemithoracic opacification was 3days and mean time was 27days. The median time to 100% opacification was 66days and mean time was 96days. Conclusion The median time to 70% hemithoracic opacification postpneumonectomy is 3days, while median time to 100% opacification was 66days.