Oxygen reservoir rebreathing mask simulating pneumothorax

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Medical Imaging
• Thoracic Imaging

Background:

• Pneumothorax is a common finding on chest radiographs, representing air in the pleural space.
• Radiographic artifacts can mimic or obscure true pathology, leading to misdiagnosis.

Observation:

• A case report details an artifact simulating pneumothorax caused by an oxygen rebreathing mask reservoir bag.
• The artifact presented as a double white line parallel to the lateral ribs.

Findings:

• The double white line was identified as a double seam on the reservoir bag of the oxygen mask.
• This specific radiographic finding reliably distinguishes the artifact from a true pneumothorax.

Implications:

• Awareness of this artifact is crucial for radiologists and clinicians interpreting chest radiographs.
• Correct identification prevents misdiagnosis of pneumothorax and unnecessary interventions.