Endotracheal tube on X-ray: 8 real cases

Real, openly licensed radiographs showing endotracheal tube. Study what to look for, then open each case and read it yourself before revealing the answer.

What to look for

  • A tube projected over the tracheal air column, ending above the carina.
  • Check the tip position: in adults roughly 5 cm (range about 3–7 cm) above the carina with the head neutral.
  • A tip in a main bronchus (usually the right) can collapse the opposite lung.

Learn: ETT position

Quiz yourself on lines & tubes images

Cases

Radiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #49068276Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #49065889Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #49065891Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #141578627Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #126333150Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #108013326Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #131672683Lines & tubes · BeginnerRadiograph from the case bank: Endotracheal tubeCase #126143469Lines & tubes · Beginner

Other lines & tubes diagnoses

Diagnoses come from each image's documented source. Credits and licences are shown on each case and on the image credits page.