Pneumothorax Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of pneumothorax
A
- Primary spontaneous (PSP):
- No precipitant or underlying lung disease
- Most common in tall, thin, young males
- Secondary spontaneous (SSP):
- Complication of underlying lung disease (e.g. COPD, TB, CF)
- Iatrogenic
- Traumatic
2
Q
Pathophysiology of pneumothorax
A
(In PSP) Rupture of bullae/blebs →
Communication between pleural space and atmospheric pressure → partial lung deflation (due to elastic recoil) + thoracic cage enlargement
3
Q
Symptoms of pneumothorax
A
- Dyspnoea
- Pleuritic chest pain
4
Q
Signs of pneumothorax
A
- Tachypnoea
- Tachycardia
- Hyperexpanded ipsilateral hemithorax
- Hyperresonant percussion
- Decreased breath sounds
- Decreased vocal resonance
5
Q
Investigations for pneumothorax
A
- CXR
- CT
- US
6
Q
Management of pneumothorax
A
- Oxygen
- Percutaneous aspiration
- Chest tube thoracostomy
7
Q
Definition of tension pneumothorax
A
Progressive accumulation of air that exerts a positive pressure on the mediastinum
8
Q
Pathophysiology of tension pneumothorax
A
One-way valve effect formed by area of damaged tissue
9
Q
Signs of tension pneumothorax
A
Contralateral tracheal deviation
10
Q
Management of tension pneumothorax
A
- Decompression with needle thoracostomy
