¿Se debe realizar como primera prueba de imagen una radiografía de tórax en inspiración o en espiración ante la sospecha de neumotórax? / Should we perform an inspiratory or an expiratory chest radiograph for the initial diagnosis of pneumothorax?

La radiografía de tórax para el despistaje de neumotórax es una prueba que se realiza frecuentemente en la práctica clínica. No obstante, existe controversia sobre cuál es la técnica de elección. La radiografía de tórax posteroanterior en espiración ha sido durante muchas décadas la técnica empleada, debido a que varios expertos en radiología torácica clásica, como Greene y Felson, la recomendaron. Sin embargo, la radiografía de tórax, con proyecciones posteroanterior y lateral, adquirida en inspiración, es la técnica recomendada para valorar inicialmente la patología torácica en su conjunto. En este trabajo hemos tratado de clarificar, basándonos en la mejor evidencia disponible, cuál es la técnica radiográfica inicial óptima ante la sospecha clínica de neumotórax

Chest radiography for pneumothorax screening is a frequently employed test. However, there is some controversy about which radiographic technique to choose. Posteroanterior chest radiography taken during expiration has been the technique used for many decades because several experts in classical thoracic radiology, such as Greene and Felson, recommended it. However, chest radiography, with posteroanterior and lateral projections, taken during deep breath is the appropriated technique to initially assess the whole thoracic pathology. In this review we have tried to establish, based on the best available evidence, which is the initial examination of choice to diagnose pneumothorax

Should we perform an inspiratory or an expiratory chest radiograph for the initial diagnosis of pneumothorax? / ¿Se debe realizar como primera prueba de imagen una radiografía de tórax en inspiración o en espiración ante la sospecha de neumotórax?

Chest radiography for pneumothorax screening is a frequently employed test. However, there is some controversy about which radiographic technique to choose. Posteroanterior chest radiography taken during expiration has been the technique used for many decades because several experts in classical thoracic radiology, such as Greene and Felson, recommended it. However, chest radiography, with posteroanterior and lateral projections, taken during deep breath is the appropriated technique to initially assess the whole thoracic pathology. In this review we have tried to establish, based on the best available evidence, which is the initial examination of choice to diagnose pneumothorax.