pneumothorax
Pronunciation: NEW-moh-thor-aks
Presence of air in the pleural space causing lung collapse. Common complication in mechanically ventilated pediatric patients.
Full Definition
Pneumothorax is the accumulation of air within the pleural space, resulting in partial or complete collapse of the affected lung. In pediatric critical care, pneumothorax can be spontaneous, traumatic, or iatrogenic (often related to positive pressure ventilation, central line placement, or thoracentesis). Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening emergency where progressive air accumulation causes mediastinal shift and cardiovascular compromise. Clinical signs include sudden respiratory distress, decreased breath sounds, hyperresonance to percussion, and tracheal deviation in tension pneumothorax. Treatment ranges from observation for small, asymptomatic pneumothoraces to immediate needle decompression and chest tube placement for larger or tension pneumothoraces.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as PTX in clinical notes.
In Context
- "Chest radiograph revealed a right-sided tension pneumothorax requiring immediate needle decompression." — Emergency department note
- "The patient developed a pneumothorax following subclavian central venous catheter insertion." — Procedural complication report