[Sonographic diagnosis of pneumothorax]

The sonographic appearances of the pleura were studied in 20 normals and in eight patients with radiologically confirmed pneumothoraces. In all 20 normals it was possible to demonstrate the respiratory excursion of the visceral pleura. Moreover, the margin between pleura and aerated lung parenchyma was marked by artifacts resembling a comet's tail. In all eight patients with pneumothoraces pleural air could be inferred by the absence of pleural movement and of the comet-tail artifacts. In emergency situations, where it is not possible to obtain radiographs, or to obtain them with sufficient speed, sonography may make a crucial contribution to the diagnosis of a pneumothorax.