Demonstration of a bronchopleural communication by inhalation of Kr-81m gas.
Suspicion of a persisting communication between the bronchial tree and the pleural space in a patient with surgically drained pneumothorax was confirmed by the inhalation of Kr-81m gas. Compared to other diagnostic methods, this technique is harmless and repeatable, and hence very convenient for the assessment and follow-up of persisting pneumothorax due to air-leaks and of bronchopleural fistulas of any cause.
D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007726:Krypton; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011868:Radioisotopes; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012119:Respiration; D014133:Tracheal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D011868:Radioisotopes; D007726:Krypton