Learning objectives
The purpose of our educational exhibit is:
-describe etiology and pathophysiology of pneumomediastinum,
pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema,
-illustrate the imaging features of massive pneumomediastinum,
pneumothorax,
subcutaneous emphysema and also a case of association with pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumoperitoneum.
Background
Pneumothorax (pnx): presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity.
Pneumomediastinum: presence of air in the mediastinum.
Subcutaneous emphysema: presence of air in the subcutaneous tissues of the body wall or limbs.
Findings and procedure details
PNEUMOTHORAX (PNX)
Pnx is defined as the presence of air or gas in the pleural cavity (the virtual space between the visceral and parietal pleura of the lung),
which can impair oxygenation and/or ventilation.
The clinical manifestations depend on the degree of collapse of the lung on the affected side.
If the pnx is significant,
it can cause a shift of the mediastinum and compromise hemodynamic stability.
We recognize different types of pnx:
Spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP)
PSP,
as defined,
occurs in patients without underlying pulmonary...
Conclusion
Therefore,
it is possible to find amount of gas in mediastinum,
pleural cavity and subcutaneous tissues in many different cases; as demonstrated,
theseconditions could be concurrent or isolated.
Radiologist must know these conditions and,
most of all,
recognize the degree of severity and the onset of complications.
Personal information
All the authors are affiliated with the Diagnostic Radiology School of the University of Genoa,
AOU-IRCCS San Martino-IST,
Genoa.
References
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PMID 10727592
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Dekeukeleire T,
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Madsen P.
Fluorescein-enhanced autofluorescence thoracoscopy in patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax and normal subjects.
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3) Gunji Y,
Akiyoshi T,
Sato T,
Kurihara M,
Tominaga S,
Takahashi K.
Mutations of the Birt Hogg Dube gene in patients with multiple lung cysts and recurrent pneumothorax.
J Med...