Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Pneumothorax is a common clinical entity that may present to a wide variety of medical specialties. Primary pneumothorax (in the presence of no known underlying lung disease) and secondary pneumothorax (in known lung disease) are distinct entities with varied etiology, treatment, and prognosis. Diagnosis is usually based on clinical history and basic radiology, but more advanced radiological techniques may be required in certain circumstances. There is relatively little evidence on which to base management decisions in patients with pneumothoraces, and many important aspects of management (e.g., aspiration vs intercostal drainage, chest drain size, use of suction) are often based on best practice and expert opinion. The etiology of pneumothorax will often inform the clinician whether a more conservative or more invasive approach is required. Radiological intervention techniques are valuable in the treatment of complicated pneumothoraces and in certain clinical situations.

Original publication

DOI

10.1055/s-2008-1081285

Type

Journal article

Journal

Semin Respir Crit Care Med

Publication Date

08/2008

Volume

29

Pages

427 - 440

Keywords

Acute Disease, Biopsy, Chest Tubes, Chronic Disease, Drainage, Humans, Pneumothorax, Radiography, Interventional, Radiography, Thoracic, Recurrence, Suction, Tomography, X-Ray Computed, Ultrasonography