[The lateral thoracic radiograph in the intensive care unit using digital luminescence radiography]

The digital luminescence radiography (DLR) technique is being used increasingly for clinical diagnosis, particularly in intensive care . Since the installation of a DLR unit, we have carried out more than 20,000 examinations of the chest on patients in intensive care. 12.1% of these were lateral radiographs. In this way, the diagnosis can be made of the extent of a pleural effusion, the presence of a ventral pneumothorax or of atelectasis. Using DLR, these examinations can be carried out at the bedside and have improved the radiological investigation of patients in intensive care.