How accurate is the Light index for estimating pneumothorax size?

Abstract

In Europe, the Light index is used for estimating the size of pneumothorax. It is based on the proportional relationship between the collapsed lung and the hemithorax. Other methods rely on absolute measurements on radiographs. The aim of this study was to compare the estimated size of pneumothoraces using Light index with that estimated using the CT volumetrics-derived Collins method. This was a secondary analysis of radiographs from a database of pneumothoraces treated conservatively. Radiographs were measured independently by two researchers according to the methods described by Light and Collins. Estimates of size derived by the two methods were compared using bias plot analysis techniqu..