PMC4942514_01
PA erect CXR prior to thoracentesis reveals large left pleural effusion.
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F0001
Two view CXR in the emergency department showed a large left pleural effusion and small right pleural effusion (Fig. 1).
AP semi-erect taken 30 min after thoracentesis with significant improvement.
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F0002
A post-procedure CXR showed significantly improved left lung aeration and no pneumothorax (Fig. 2).
AP upright 2 h after thoracentesis with early evidence of reexpansion pulmonary edema.
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F0003
The patient developed diffuse crackles throughout the left lung fields requiring emergent intubation for acute respiratory failure with a series of CXRs demonstrating worsening left lung opacification (Fig. 3).
AP supine 4 h after thoracentesis with evidence of florid reexpansion pulmonary edema requiring intubation and left internal jugular central venous catheter placement for vasopressor support.
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F0004
His left lung remained entirely opacified on CXR 4 h after the thoracentesis (Fig. 4).