Chest X-ray ICU
The basic principles about the chest X-ray examination of a patient on the ICU.
Pathology
- Malposition of Lines
- Atelectasis
- Pleural Fluid
- Congestive Heart Failure
- Pneumothorax
- Pneumonia
Malposition of Lines
In each follow-up chest X-ray for IC patients, check the position of the breathing tube and all lines, as malposition may cause serious complications.
Breathing Tube
If the breathing tube is not positioned deep enough (fig. 11), this may lead to unwanted detubation, or intubation in the hypopharynx with inadequate ventilation and filling of the stomach with air. The balloon inflated to secure the tube may also damage the vocal cords.
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Text & Illustrations
drs. A. van der Plas (MSK radiologist Maastricht UMC+)
With special thanks to:
drs. I. Bosma (radiologist Kantonsspital Winterthur (KSW))
Sources:
- W. R. Webb MD, C. B. Higgins. Thoracic Imaging: Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Radiology (second edition, 2011).
- Anesth Analg. 2007 Sep;105(3):735-8. The carina as a useful radiographic landmark for positioning the intraaortic balloon pump. Kim JT1, Lee JR, Kim JK
- AJR: 198, March 2012. Chest Radiography in the ICU Part I, Evaluation of Airway, Enteric, and Pleural Tubes. Godoy M.C.B, Leitman B.L et al.
- AJR: 198:572-581, March 2012. Chest Radiography in the ICU Part II, Evaluation of Cardiovascular Lines and Other Devices. Godoy M.C.B, Leitman B.L et al.
19/09/2017
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