Pneumothorax :An Emergency! How do I Diagnose in a Primary Setup?A Systematic Approach to Read X-Rays

Background : Pneumothorax can be an important diagnosis in patient presenting with sudden onset shortness of breath. Timely diagnosis can be confirmed by a radiograph. Aim: This review is an attempt to make a systematic and highly informative algorithm to read and analyse a radiograph in patient with pneumothorax. Methods: Authors have combined their rich experience in the field with available standard text to make a simple and useful approach to radiographs with pneumothorax. The text is liberally illustrated for readers to get insight into radiographic approach which can be extremely useful in clinical practice. Results: Correct interpretations of chest radiographs in the clinical setting can be lifesaving. Proper interpretation of Xray Chest can reveal about underlying lung, aetiology and associated life threatening conditions. Keywo rds: pneumothorax, hyperlucency, x ray. GJMR-D Cla ssification : NLMC Code: WF 746