| Hydropneumothorax | |
|---|---|
 | |
| A hydropneumothorax with a white arrow pointing to the lung's pleura | |
| Specialty | Emergency medicine |
Hydropneumothorax is defined as the presence of both air and fluid within the pleural space.[1] An upright chest x-ray will show air fluid levels. The horizontal fluid level is usually well defined and extends across the whole length of one of the hemithorax.
Signs and symptoms[edit]
This can be remembered by the 4 'S': straight line dullness, shifting dullness, splash, sound of coin.
Causes[edit]
- Iatrogenic: Introduction of air during pleural fluid aspiration in effusion
- Presence of a gas-forming organism
- Thoracic trauma
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis can be via CXR. CT is better to outline borders of air fluid levels, however, CT has a greater radiation exposure.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment includes ICD (intercostal drainage) of fluid and air and treatment of underlying conditions.
References[edit]
- ^ Clarke, Christopher; Dux, Anthony (2017). Chest X-rays for Medical Students. John Wiley & Sons. p. 82. ISBN 9781119426721. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
