Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
05:50
International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Iatrogenic tension pneumothorax in children: two case reports
Juan Mayordomo-Colunga1, Corsino Rey, Alberto Medina
1Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, University of Oviedo Oviedo Spain.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|October 16, 2009
Summary
Pediatric patients undergoing airway procedures require careful monitoring to prevent iatrogenic tension pneumothorax. Prompt needle decompression is crucial for managing this life-threatening condition in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Respiratory Care
Background:
- Iatrogenic tension pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication in pediatric patients.
- It can occur during procedures involving gas insufflation into the airway.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of iatrogenic tension pneumothorax in children.
- To highlight the importance of ensuring gas egress during airway procedures.
Main Methods:
- Case 1: A 2-year-old boy with multiple trauma developed symptoms during apnea testing, managed with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and needle thoracostomy.
- Case 2: A 17-month-old girl developed symptoms during flexible bronchoscopy under sedation-analgesia, managed with needle decompression.
Main Results:
- Both children experienced sudden cyanosis, bradycardia, and subcutaneous emphysema, indicative of tension pneumothorax.
- Urgent needle decompression was successfully performed in both cases.
Conclusions:
- Ensuring gas escape during airway procedures is vital to prevent iatrogenic tension pneumothorax in children.
- Readily available equipment for needle thoracostomy is essential for prompt management.
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...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Thoracentesis(Thoracocentesis), commonly known as pleural tap, is a medical procedure where a 22 gauge needle is inserted into the pleural space, the area between the lung and chest wall. This procedure is commonly performed to diagnose or treat various respiratory disorders.
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
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:
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...