Pneumothorax

Question 1

Spontaneous

Answer 1

A spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in the absence of thoracic trauma and can be categorized into primary or secondary.

Question 2

Primary Spontaneous

Answer 2

A primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) develops in the otherwise healthy patient without underlying lung disease or trauma.

Question 3

Secondary Spontaneous

Answer 3

A secondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in the presence of underlying lung disease but in the absence of trauma.

Question 4

Iatrogenic

Answer 4

An iatrogenic pneumothorax occurs secondary to a medical procedure such as a pleural biopsy, central venous line placement, or positive-pressure mechanical ventilation.

Question 5

Causes of Spontaneous

Answer 5

Associated or undiagnosed lung disease

Bleb rupture

Question 6

Pneumothorax presentation

Answer 6

Size of pneumothorax determines symptom severity
Shortness of breath
Acute onset unilateral chest pain
Decreased breath sounds or chest movement on one side

Question 7

Tension Pneumothorax

Answer 7

Medical emergency
Acute respiratory distress
Diaphoresis
Tachycardia
Tracheal deviation
Cyanosis

Question 8

Pneumothorax diagnosis

Answer 8

Chest x-ray
CT (gold standard)
Ultrasound

Question 9

Pneumothorax management

Answer 9

Immediate intervention for emergent symptoms = needle aspiration
Definitive = small bore catheter for small ones, tube thoracotomy for large and tension
Secondary or Traumatic = tube thoracotomy