[The chest roentgenogram during artificial respiration (author's transl)].

Abstract

Chest roentgenography of artificially ventilated persons not only reveals morphological changes in the lungs but may also provide information regarding their pathogenesis and prognosis. To safeguard against misinterpretation of the findings they should be supplemented by blood gas analyses and function tests (e.g. effective compliance of the respiratory system). The chest roentgenogram also apprises of the development, and consequently of the need for treatment, of such complications as interstital emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema.