Can pneumothorax be misdiagnosed?
Misdiagnosis is a frequent complication of pneumothorax. Multiple factors, such as incomplete or inadequate history or physical exam, low index of clinical suspicion, failure to obtain a chest radiograph, or failure to recognize a pneumothorax on a chest radiograph, can contribute to misdiagnosis.
What are the two key findings that signal a tension pneumothorax?
More specific radiological signs for tension pneumothorax includes mediastinal and tracheal deviation away from the pneumothorax, as well as flattening of the diaphragm.
What are identifying features of a pneumothorax on a chest radiograph?
Finding of pneumothorax on chest radiographs may include the following: A linear shadow of visceral pleura with lack of lung markings peripheral to the shadow may be observed, indicating collapsed lung. An ipsilateral lung edge may be seen parallel to the chest wall.
Which method is the best way to confirm the diagnosis of pneumothorax?
A pneumothorax is generally diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, a computerized tomography (CT) scan may be needed to provide more-detailed images.
Can a pneumothorax just happen without a clear cause?
A pneumothorax can be caused by a blunt or penetrating chest injury, certain medical procedures, or damage from underlying lung disease. Or it may occur for no obvious reason. Symptoms usually include sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.
Which assessment finding is commonly seen in a patient with a tension pneumothorax?
Findings that suggest tension pneumothorax include unequal breath sounds (diminished or absent on the side of the pneumothorax), tracheal deviation (away from the side of the pneumothorax), distended neck veins, and/or signs of respiratory distress.
Which of the following ultrasound findings is most suggestive of a pneumothorax?
Features of the ultrasonographic examination for the diagnosis of pneumothorax include absence of lung sliding (high sensitivity and specificity), absence of comet-tail artifact (high sensitivity, lower specificity), and presence of lung point (high specificity, lower sensitivity).
Can you see a lines in a pneumothorax?
Increased clarity of A-lines A-lines (horizontal long path reverberation artefacts) are echogenic horizontal artifactual lines deep to the pleural surface that are characteristic of pneumothorax.
What’s the difference between a pneumothorax and a tension pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax (air in the pleural cavity) is classified as open (external wound) or closed. The pleural pressure equilibrates with atmospheric pressure, resulting in lung collapse. Tension pneumothorax develops when air continuously enters the chest without evacuation.
What findings differentiates a tension pneumothorax from a simple pneumothorax?
Pneumothoraces can be classified as “simple” or “tension.” A simple pneumothorax is non-expanding. In a tension pneumothorax, a “one way valve” defect allows air into but not out of the pleural space. If left untreated, increasing pressure starts to collapse vascular structures within the mediastinum.