Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax



Basic Information image



Definition


Accumulation of air or gas within the pleural space



Epidemiology



Risk Factors


Thoracic trauma, severe parenchymal disease (pleuropneumonia)



Associated Conditions and Disorders


Hemothorax, pleuropneumonia



Clinical Presentation



Disease Forms/Subtypes




• Open pneumothorax: Communication between pleural space and air secondary to defect in the thoracic wall


• Closed pneumothorax: Air accumulation within the pleural space secondary to a defect in the pulmonary parenchyma


• Tension pneumothorax: Buildup of trapped air causes increased pleural pressures and severe lung atelectasis or collapse



History, Chief Complaint




• The patient history is variable depending on the underlying cause but frequently includes trauma.


• The chief complaint often includes respiratory distress or difficulty.



Physical Exam Findings




• Restlessness or agitation


• Dyspnea, tachypnea


• Cyanosis occasionally apparent


• Open thoracic wound may be present


• Subcutaneous emphysema over the dorsal thorax


• Absence of breath sounds dorsally, with tympany or hyperresonance over pneumothorax on auscultation of lung fields



Etiology and Pathophysiology


Causes:



• Traumatic: Blunt or penetrating trauma to the thoracic wall or lung parenchyma, esophageal rupture, tracheal puncture or laceration


• Severe pleuropneumonia or other lung parenchymal disease


• Iatrogenic: Transtracheal aspiration, lung biopsy, tube thoracostomy


• Maximal exercise


• Ruptured emphysematous lung bullae

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Pneumothorax

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