Presentation
Shortness of breath
Patient Data
Bilateral pneumothoraces with underlying collapsed lungs are seen more severe on the right side with depressed right hemidiaphragm and probable contralateral shift of the mediastinum representing right-sided tension pneumothorax (the degree of mediastinal shift is difficult to ascertain due to the patient's malposition).
Case Discussion
Pneumothorax represents the presence of air (gas) within the pleural space. Sometimes, it causes compression and displacement of the mediastinum towards the contralateral side. It is then referred to as tension pneumothorax, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires urgent intervention.
Bilateral chest tubes were placed in an emergency in this patient (unfortunately, follow-up x-rays are not available).
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