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 in a ventilated patient

Case contributed by Frank Gaillard
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Increasing ventilatory pressures following attempted CVC insertion, after orthopaedia intervention on the lower limbs for multiple fractures as a result of an MVA.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male

Supine Chest X-ray

x-ray

This film was obtained in the operating room recovery area. The patient is large and as a result the film is poorly penetrated in some areas. CXR demonstrates a tension pneumothorax, with shift of the mediastinum towards the left.

Case Discussion

A pneumothorax which would case only minimal problems in a 'normal' patient, can be life threatening when they are ventilated, as positive pressure ventilation forces more and more air into the pleural space. 

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.