IMPORTANT: We currently have a number of bugs related to image cropping and are actively trying to resolve them. In the meantime, we have disabled cropping. Apologies for any inconvenience. Stay informed: radiopaedia.org/chat

Tension pneumothorax

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Increased respiratory distress.

Patient Data

Age: Neonate
x-ray

An ET tube in position is a little high. There are bilateral pneumothoraces. On the right side there is a tension pneumothorax with depression of the diaphragm and mediastinal shift towards the left. The right lung appears almost completely collapsed. On the left side the pneumothorax is subpulmonic. The left lung is hypoinflated and compressed.

x-ray

A chest tube in situ (it is actually an IV cannula) and the tension has been relieved. 

Case Discussion

A tension pneumothorax is a time-critical emergency and a cool head and an IV cannula is enough to save a life. 

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.