Aim: To define the utility of the frontal chest radiograph in the assessment of chest drain position.
Patients and methods: Fifty-six frontal chest radiographs in 45 patients with 61 chest drains (18 anterior, 9 interlobar, and 34 posterior position) were reviewed retrospectively to determine radiographic characteristics.
Results: Eighty-nine percent of the anterior drains demonstrated a curved appearance at the insertion site, while 50% of posterior drains and all interlobar drains were straight at the insertion site. A curved intrapleural drain was a common finding when positioned anteriorly and posteriorly (67% and 59%, respectively). Interlobar drains were often straight throughout their course (89%). The tips of interlobar drains were usually positioned at the hilum (89%).
Conclusion: Results suggest that interlobar positioning can be suspected on the frontal chest radiograph. A curving chest drain with straight appearance at the insertion site was indicative of a posterior location.