Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Peer Review Status: Internally Peer Reviewed
Etiology/Pathophysiology:
Caused by rupture of air at the root of the lung or from rupture of
subpleural blebs due to increased over inflation of the lung from the
ventilator. Air in the pleural space can lead to acute compromise of
pulmonary ventilation and vascular perfusion (air block) which can
lead rapidly to profound respiratory distress and vascular collapse.
A tension pneumothorax is immediately life threatening, and must be
treated immediately.
Pathology:
Not applicable.
Imaging Findings:
Flattening or inversion of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm, shift of
the mediastinal structures into the contralateral hemithorax by the
large amount of air in the pleural space, compression atelectasis of
the contralateral lung due to the mediastinal shift.
DDX:
Not applicable.
References:
See References Chapter.
Additional pediatric resources: GeneralPediatrics.com | PediatricEducation.org | SearchingPediatrics.com
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