THE UTILITY OF THE FRONTAL CHEST RADIOGRAPH IN THE EVALUATION OF CHEST DRAIN PLACEMENT

Aim: To define the utility of the frontal chest radiograph in the asse ssment of chest drain position. Patients and Methods: Fifty-six fronta l 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 perce nt of the anterior drains demonstrated a curved appearance at the inse rtion site, while 50% of posterior drains and all interlobar drains we re straight at the insertion site. A curved intrapleural drain was a c ommon 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 a t the hilum (89%). Conclusion: Results suggest that interlobar positio ning can be suspected on the frontal chest radiograph. A curving chest drain with straight appearance at the insertion site was indicative o f a posterior location.