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Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-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-II01:27

Pneumothorax-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:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax 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...
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura 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...
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation01:24

Pulmonary Ventilation: Inhalation

Pulmonary ventilation is a vital process that ensures the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the lungs. It refers to the movement of air into and out of the lungs, enabling the body to obtain oxygen and remove waste carbon dioxide. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of pulmonary ventilation, including its underlying principles, mechanisms, and the interplay of pressures within the respiratory system.
Boyle's law becomes particularly pertinent when examining respiratory...
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology01:10

Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...

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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
05:50

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure

Published on: March 12, 2020

Spontaneous pneumothorax.

Abel P Wakai1

  • 1Emergency Care Research Unit (ECRU), Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, Ireland.

BMJ Clinical Evidence
|April 12, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Spontaneous pneumothorax treatments are reviewed, with a focus on preventing recurrence. This systematic review evaluates interventions like chest-tube drainage and pleurodesis for effectiveness and safety.

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Last Updated: Jun 2, 2026

International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
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Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
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Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Thoracic Surgery

Background:

  • Spontaneous pneumothorax affects 24/100,000 men and 9.9/100,000 women annually.
  • Smoking significantly increases risk (22x in men, 8x in women).
  • High recurrence rates, up to 35% in some studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effects of treatments for spontaneous pneumothorax.
  • To evaluate interventions for preventing recurrence in patients with a history of spontaneous pneumothorax.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 17 studies (reviews, RCTs, observational).
  • Searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library up to January 2010.
  • Included harms alerts from FDA and MHRA.

Main Results:

  • Evaluated the GRADE quality of evidence for various interventions.
  • Included studies on chest-tube drainage, needle aspiration, and pleurodesis.

Conclusions:

  • Information on the effectiveness and safety of interventions is presented.
  • Interventions reviewed include chest-tube drainage, needle aspiration, and pleurodesis.