Peds - Pneumothorax

Question 1

Common causes of pneumothorax in children?

Answer 1

Spontaneous (idiopathic)
Trauma
Hyaline membrane disease
Any lung disease (asthma, CF, pneumonia, lung abscess)

Question 2

When would you suspect pneumothorax in children?

Answer 2

Any of the aforementioned clinical settings
Sudden onset of severe SOB
Unilateral decreased chest expansion with decreased breath sounds, shift of mediastinum and cyanosis
Enlargement of hemithorax on side of pneumothorax

Question 3

Imaging findings of pneumothorax on CXR?

Answer 3

Air in pleural cavity (no lung markings
Margin of the atelectatic lung
Shift o mediastinum to other side