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Traumatic pneumothorax

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Definition:

A traumatic pneumothorax is a collection of air inside the chest, between the lung and inner chest wall, which causes the lung to collapse.

See also: Pneumothorax

Alternative Names:

Collapsed lung

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Traumatic pneumothorax occurs when a physical injury causes the lung to collapse. It can be caused by chest injury from a gunshot or knife wounds. It may also be caused by automobile accidents, or can happen after certain medical procedures.

High-risk medical procedures include transbronchial biopsy , pleural biopsy , thoracentesis , central venous catheter placement, intercostal needle anesthesia, and esophagoscopy.

Hemothorax , a collection of blood between the lung and chest wall, often happens with traumatic pneumothorax.

References:

Murray J, Nadel J. Textbook of Respiratory Medicine . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2000. 

Marx J. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002.

• Review Date: 7/25/2007
• Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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