Tension pneumothorax
Updates to Article Attributes
Tension pneumothoraces occur when intrapleural air accumulates progressively in such a way as to exert positive pressure on mediastinal and intrathoracic structures. It is a life-threatening occurrence requiring rapid recognition and treatment is required if a cardiorespiratory arrest is to be avoided.
For a general discussion, refer to the pneumothorax article.
Clinical presentation
Presentation is variable and may initially have no symptoms. With time severe dyspnea, tachycardia and hypotension occur. Distended neck veins and tracheal deviation are also often present. Eventually, impaired venous return results in cardiac arrest and death. This can occur within minutes.
Pathology
A tension pneumothorax occurs due to the progressive accumulation of intrapleural gas in thoracic cavity caused by a valve effect during inspiration/expiration. In this situation, the ipsilateral lung will, if normal, collapse completely (although a less than normally compliant lung may remain partially inflated). In either case, as the collection grows further it exerts a positive mass effect on the mediastinum (compressing veins, and the heart) and the opposite lung.
Radiographic features
A pneumothorax will have the same features as a run-of-the-mill pneumothorax with a number of additional features, helpful in identifying tension. These additional signs indicate over-expansion of the hemithorax:
- ipsilateral increased intercostal spaces
- shift of the mediastinum to the contralateral side
- depression of the hemidiaphragm
Treatment and prognosis
Treatment of a tension pneumothorax is one of the classic medical emergencies where a life can be saved or lost on the basis of recognition and rapid decompression. Numerous techniques exist, and the literature is replete with opinions, but in the first instance relieving the tension, even if not draining the pneumothorax, is life-saving. A needle thoracostomy (e.g. 14G intravenous cannula) can be inserted, typically in the 2nd intercostal space in the midclavicular line, to gain valuable time, before a larger underwater drain can be inserted 1.
Differential diagnosis
- giant bullous emphysema: differentiated from tension pneumothorax by clinical stability, interstitial vascular markings projected with the bullae and lack of hemithorax re-expansion following the insertion of an intercostal catheter
- tension gastrothorax: differentiated by the poor definition of the left hemidiaphragm, lack of a gastric bubble, and potential air-fluid level
See also
-<a href="/articles/tension-gastrothorax">tension gastrothorax</a>: differentiated by the poor definition of the left hemidiaphragm, lack of a gastric bubble, and potential air-fluid level</li>- +<a href="/articles/tension-gastrothorax">tension gastrothorax</a>: differentiated by the poor definition of the left hemidiaphragm, lack of a <a href="/articles/gastric-bubble">gastric bubble</a>, and potential air-fluid level</li>
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.