Pneumothorax

Question 1

what is a pneumothorax?

Answer 1

Accumulation of air in the pleural space ̄c 2O lung collapse.

Question 2

state some causes of primary pneumothorax ?

Answer 2

Young, thin men (ruptured subpleural bulla)

Smokers

Question 3

state some causes of secondary pneumothorax ?

Answer 3

􏰁 COPD
􏰁 Marfan’s, Ehler’s Danlos
􏰁 Pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis

Question 4

state some causes of iatrogenic pneumothorax ?

Answer 4

􏰀 Subclavian CVP line insertion
􏰀 Positive pressure ventilation
􏰀 Transbronchial biospy
􏰀 Liver biopsy

Question 5

state some CXR findings of pneumothorax?

Answer 5

Translucency + collapse (2cm rim = 50% vol loss) 
Mediastinal shift (away from PTX)
􏰁 Surgical emphysema

Question 6

what investigations can be done for pneumothorax?

Answer 6

ABG
US
CXR

Question 7

where is the chest drain placed for a tension pneumothorax?

Answer 7

Large bore Venflon into 2nd ICS, mid-clavicular line

insert ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)