What is the earliest sign of a left-sided pleural effusion on an upright chest radiograph?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An increased distance between the inferior margin of the left lung and the stomach gas bubble is the earliest sign of a left-sided pleural effusion on an upright chest radiograph. This is due to the accumulation of fluid in the left pleural space, causing the lung to become compressed and move away from the diaphragm, resulting in a visible gap between the lung and the stomach bubble.

Therefore, the correct answer is A) an increased distance between the inferior margin of the left lung and the stomach gas bubble.

What Is the Earliest Sign of a Left-Sided Pleural Effusion