Evaluation and management of pneumothorax

Authors

• Majdy M. Idrees, Pulmonary Section, Department of Medicine, (C-110), PO Box 7897, Riyadh 11159, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (1) 4777714 Ext. 5282. Fax. +966 (1) 2910371. E-mail: majidrees{at}hotmail.com
• Anita M. Ingleby, Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Siraj O. Wali, Pulmonary Section, Department of Medicine, King Khalid National Guard, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air within the pleural space and implicates that either the visceral or parietal pleura have been disrupted. In this article the classification of pneumothorax, incidence, pathogenesis, and the radiological evaluation and different quantitative measures of pneumothorax were reviewed. In this communication, we also explored the goals of therapy and the variable treatment options, and elaborated on re-expansion pulmonary edema as a potentially serious complication of pleural drainage. Finally, air travel as a predisposing factor for secondary pneumothorax, the possible pathogenesis and incidence were discussed.

Article Type

Review

First Page

447

Last Page

452

Recommended Citation

Idrees, Majdy M.; Ingleby, Anita M.; and Wali, Siraj O. (2003) "Evaluation and management of pneumothorax," Saudi Medical Journal: Vol. 24: Iss. 5, Article 1.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15537/1658-3175.2032