Self Assessment Quiz - Cardiovascular Radiology

Question 6 - Single Best Answer

The above image is from the same patient as in questions #4 and #5. What is the position of the patient in the above film?

D) Left lateral decubitus

CORRECT!
In order to assess whether a pleural effusion is free flowing, you may order a decubitus film with the patient lying down on the side of the effusion. Note that on the PA view, the patient's pleural effusion was on the left side. In the left lateral decubitus film (the x-ray is taken with the patient laying down on his left side ) the pleural fluid is found in the dependant portion which is the lateral left chest wall. This redistribution of the pleural fluid with change in position signifies a "free flowing" pleural effusion. The arrows on the image to the right demonstrate the free flowing pleural effusion.