Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:27
Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Spontaneous resolution of a large traumatic pneumothorax
Mary T Ryan1, Nicholas D Caputo, Viraj Lakdawala
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, Bronx, NY 10451, USA.
The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|May 3, 2011
Summary
This case study highlights a large traumatic pneumothorax that resolved spontaneously without intervention. It questions the standard treatment threshold for chest tubes in stable patients with traumatic pneumothorax.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Pneumothorax involves air accumulation between pleural layers, categorized as spontaneous or traumatic.
- Current emergency department guidelines recommend observation for pneumothoraces <15% and tube thoracostomy for >15% in stable patients.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old female presented with chest pain post-fall, initially undiagnosed.
- Initial chest radiograph revealed a large right-sided pneumothorax with tracheal deviation, suggestive of tension pneumothorax.
- The patient was discharged but later returned ~1 month later, with repeat imaging showing complete resolution.
Findings:
- The large traumatic pneumothorax resolved completely without any medical intervention.
- The patient did not seek treatment elsewhere during the interval between initial presentation and follow-up.
Implications:
- This case suggests that conservative management might be viable for select stable patients with large traumatic pneumothoraces.
- It prompts a re-evaluation of the established >15% threshold for chest tube placement in traumatic pneumothorax.
- Further research is warranted to explore non-operative management strategies for traumatic pneumothorax.
More Related Videos
05:50International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
09:28Intravital Widefield Fluorescence Microscopy of Pulmonary Microcirculation in Experimental Acute Lung Injury Using a Vacuum-Stabilized Imaging System
Published on: April 6, 2022
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...
01:26Flail Chest-II
Managing flail chest, a condition characterized by a segment of the chest wall moving independently from the rest of the thoracic cage, requires a comprehensive approach. It includes a thorough assessment of the patient's condition, a diagnostic evaluation to determine the extent of the injury, and the implementation of appropriate medical interventions tailored to the individual's needs.
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
01:17Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
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...