Presentation
Stab wound to the left hemithorax. Crepitus of the chest upon physical examination.
Patient Data
Chest radiograph revealed a left pneumothorax, marked by the visible left pleural edge (see annotated image below).
The mediastinum is not shifted (no evidence of tension).
There is extensive subcutaneous emphysema over the left chest wall.
2nd-day follow-up chest radiograph still shows a left pneumothorax, marked by the visible left pleural edge (see annotated image below).
Subcutaneous emphysema on the left chest wall is also still visible.
4th-day follow-up chest radiograph no longer shows the left pneumothorax - the pleural edge is no longer seen.
Subcutaneous emphysema on the left chest wall is still visible but is smaller when compared to the previous radiographs.
Annotated images demonstrating the pleural edges with red dotted lines. The visible pleural edges indicate the left pneumothorax.
Case Discussion
The patient had an asymptomatic small pneumothorax.
No active treatment was necessary and follow-up radiographs were performed to confirm its resolution.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.