Hydropneumothorax
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| Hydropneumothorax | |
|---|---|
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| A hydropneumothorax with white arrow point to the lung's pleura | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Hydropneumothorax is defined as the presence of both air and fluid within the pleural space[1]. An upright chest x-ray will show air fluid levels. The horizontal fluid level is usually well defined and extends across the whole length of hemithorax.
Signs and symptoms
This can be remembered by 4 'S': straight line dullness, shifting dullness, splash, sound of coin.
Causes
- Iatrogenic: Introduction of air during pleural fluid aspiration in effusion
- Presence of a gas-forming organism
- Thoracic trauma
Diagnosis
Diagnosis can be via CXR. CT is better to outline borders of air fluid levels, however, CT has a greater radiation exposure.
Treatment
Treatment is mostly the treatment includes ICD (intercostal drainage) of fluid and air and treatment of underlying conditions.
References
- ^ Clarke, Christopher; Dux, Anthony (2017). Chest X-rays for Medical Students. John Wiley & Sons. p. 82. ISBN 9781119426721. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
External links
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