Which imaging tool can help confirm a suspected pneumothorax?

A chest X-ray is commonly used as the first-line imaging tool to confirm a suspected pneumothorax due to its availability, speed, and effectiveness in this clinical scenario. A chest X-ray allows for a quick assessment of lung expansion and can clearly show the presence of air in the pleural space, which is characteristic of a pneumothorax. The typical appearance on a chest X-ray includes a visceral pleural line and the absence of vascular markings beyond that line, indicating air in the pleural cavity.

While a CT scan is considered more definitive and provides a more detailed view of the thoracic structures, it is not the first choice in emergency settings due to the time and resources it requires. Ultrasound can also be utilized, especially in emergency situations, as it can rapidly identify fluid or air in the pleural space. However, it is less definitive than a chest X-ray. MRI is rarely used in the diagnosis of pneumothorax due to the time required for scanning and the lower utility in acute trauma cases compared to the other modalities.