Demonstration of a bronchopleural communication by inhalation of Kr-81m gas.

Suspicion of a persisting communication between the bronchial tree and the pleural space in a patient with surgically drained pneumothorax was confirmed by the inhalation of Kr-81m gas. Compared to other diagnostic methods, this technique is harmless and repeatable, and hence very convenient for the assessment and follow-up of persisting pneumothorax due to air-leaks and of bronchopleural fistulas of any cause.