Pleura Flashcards
What is a Pneumothorax?
Accumulation of air in the pleural space
What are the two types of Pneumothorax?
- Spontaneous
2. Tension Pneumothorax
What causes a Spontaneous pneumothorax?
Due to rupture of an emphysematous bleb
What population is spontaneous pneumothorax often seen in?
Young adults
What does a spontaneous pneumothorax result in?
- Collapse of a portion of the lung
- Trachea shifts to the side of collapse
What causes a Tension Pneumothorax?
Arises with penetrating chest injury
What happens with air/breathing in a Tension Pneumothorax?
- Air enters the pleural space, but cannot exit
- Trachea is pushed opposite to the side of injury
- Every time they breathe air enters the pleural space but when they breathe out, air cannot escape
What is important to remember about a Tension Pneumothroax?
It is a medical EMERGENCY! (can create pressure on the heart)
How is a Tension Pneumothorax treated?
Insertion of a chest tube
What is Mesothelioma?
Malignant neoplasm of mesothelial cells
What are Mesotheliomas associated with?
Occupational asbestos exposure
What do Mesotheliomas present with?
- Recurrent pleural effusions
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
How does the Mesothelioma tumor grow/what is it shaped like?
It encases the lung
