Tension pneumothorax
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Tension pneumothorax
- This is the one not to miss. If you cannot diagnose a tension pneumothorax at medical finals you won't find an examiner who will defend you.
- The left hemithorax is black due to air in the pleural cavity.
Signs of tension
- The left lung is completely compressed (arrowheads).
- The trachea is pushed to the right (arrow)
- The heart is shifted to the contralateral side - note right heart border is pushed to the right (red line)
- The left hemidiaphragm is depressed (orange line)
Important note
- If you diagnose a tension pneumothorax clinically - do not request an X-ray - TREAT THE PATIENT!