Tension pneumothorax

Case contributed by Michael Lousick
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Multiple stab wounds to the neck

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male

Trauma chest radiograph

x-ray

There is a large right sided tension pneumothorax with contralateral mediastinal shift. A small left sided apical pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and left thorax is also present.

Follow up chest radiograph

x-ray

A right sided intercostal catheter is appropriately placed with interval reduction in the right sided pneumothorax. An endotracheal tube is well positioned.

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