Pneumothorax After a Fall in a Healthy Adolescent Athlete
Tristin Latty1, Rebekah J Soto2, Carlos A Arango2
1Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA.
Cureus
|July 28, 2022
Summary
A pediatric pneumothorax from blunt trauma can be managed conservatively in an outpatient setting. This case highlights conservative management for traumatic pneumothorax in children, emphasizing clinical presentation and imaging.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Traumatology
Background:
- A pneumothorax involves air in the thoracic cavity's pleural space, classified as spontaneous or traumatic.
- Management traditionally included hospitalization with oxygen or chest tubes based on severity.
Observation:
- A pediatric case of likely blunt-force traumatic pneumothorax occurred after a fall during a football game.
- The injury mechanism involved acceleration-deceleration blunt trauma.
Findings:
- The pediatric traumatic pneumothorax was successfully managed conservatively in an outpatient setting.
- Clinical presentation, physical examination, and chest X-ray were crucial for diagnosis.
Implications:
- This case suggests conservative outpatient management is a viable option for select pediatric traumatic pneumothorax cases.
- Highlights the importance of a thorough clinical assessment and diagnostic imaging in pediatric trauma.
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