tension pneumothorax
Pronunciation: TEN-shun new-moh-THOR-aks
A life-threatening condition where air accumulates under pressure in the pleural space, compressing the lung and shifting mediastinal structures.
Full Definition
Tension pneumothorax is a surgical emergency occurring when air enters the pleural space through a one-way valve mechanism, creating progressively increasing pressure that compresses the affected lung and shifts the mediastinum toward the opposite side. This compromises venous return and cardiac output, leading to cardiovascular collapse if untreated. Clinical signs include tracheal deviation, absent breath sounds, hyperresonance, and hemodynamic instability. Immediate treatment requires needle decompression followed by chest tube placement.
Usage
Usage note: Two words. Always specify 'tension' to distinguish from simple pneumothorax. Plural is 'tension pneumothoraces'.
In Context
- "The patient developed a tension pneumothorax requiring immediate needle decompression." — Emergency department note
- "Tracheal deviation and absent breath sounds suggested tension pneumothorax rather than simple pneumothorax." — Clinical assessment