The utility of the frontal chest radiograph in the evaluation of chest drain placement.
OBJECTIVE
To define the utility of the frontal chest radiograph in the assessment of chest drain position.


METHODS
Fifty-six frontal chest radiographs in 45 patients with 61 chest drains (18 anterior, 9 interlobar, and 34 posterior position) were reviewed retrospectively to determine radiographic characteristics.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine percent of the anterior drains demonstrated a curved appearance at the insertion site, while 50% of posterior drains and all interlobar drains were straight at the insertion site. A curved intrapleural drain was a common finding when positioned anteriorly and posteriorly (67% and 59%, respectively). Interlobar drains were often straight throughout their course (89%). The tips of interlobar drains were usually positioned at the hilum (89%).


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that interlobar positioning can be suspected on the frontal chest radiograph. A curving chest drain with straight appearance at the insertion site was indicative of a posterior location.
Kurihara
Y
Y
Department of Radiology, the University of Iowa College of Medicine, USA.
Galvin
J R
JR
Thompson
B H
BH
Stanford
W
W
Erkonen
W E
WE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004322:Drainage / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012189:Retrospective Studies