Usefulness of the double-wall sign in detecting pneumothorax in patients with giant bullous emphysema.

Waitches, G M; Stern, E J; Dubinsky, T J · AJR Am J Roentgenol · 2000

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

We describe a new sign improving detection of pneumothorax in patients with giant bullous emphysema: air surrounding both sides of the bulla wall (the intrathoracic equivalent of the double-wall sign of pneumoperitoneum). We report the radiographic and CT appearances of the double-wall sign in seven patients with giant bullous emphysema, four of whom had pneumothorax. Recognizing the double-wall sign of pneumothorax should aid in the triage of patients with giant bullous emphysema.

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