Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
A case of concomitant pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum
Karim W Sadik1, Andrew Vorenberg, Bruce Schimer
1Surgery Department, University of Virginia Health Systems, Charlottesville, VA 22906, USA. kws2x@virginia.edu
Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced Surgical Techniques. Part A
|February 17, 2009
Summary
Pneumothorax with pneumoperitoneum is a rare condition, especially in adults. This case report details a rare instance of pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum in an adult, linked to a perforated diverticulum.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Pneumothorax, the presence of air in the pleural space, is occasionally associated with pneumoperitoneum (air in the peritoneal cavity).
- While documented in pediatric cases, this association is exceedingly rare in adult literature.
Observation:
- This report presents a rare case of pneumothorax occurring concurrently with pneumoperitoneum in an adult patient.
- The patient had a perforated diverticulum, identified as the likely cause of the combined condition.
Findings:
- The study highlights a rare clinical presentation of pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum in an adult.
- A perforated diverticulum was identified as the underlying etiology, leading to air migration into both the pleural and peritoneal spaces.
Implications:
- This case expands the understanding of rare gastrointestinal-pulmonary complications.
- It underscores the importance of considering perforated diverticula in the differential diagnosis of adult patients presenting with both pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
01:28Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Esophageal perforations manifest in various clinical forms, influenced by factors such as the perforation's cause and location (cervical, intrathoracic, or intra-abdominal), the extent of contamination, and potential injury to adjacent mediastinal structures. The timing between the perforation occurrence and treatment initiation also affects the clinical presentation.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:22Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
Esophageal perforation is a severe medical condition characterized by a breach in the integrity of the esophageal wall. This breach can occur due to various factors such as trauma, medical procedures, or underlying diseases. When the esophageal wall is compromised, it allows food, fluids, and digestive juices into the chest cavity or adjacent structures, leading to potential complications and health risks.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.