Pneumothorax

A normal and collapsed lung. (WC/Blausen gallery 2014)

Pneumothorax is air within the potential space between the parietal pleura and visceral pleura leading to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.

General

• Clinical diagnosis (typically by radiology) or autopsy diagnosis.

Causes

• Primary.
  • No underlying cause.
• Secondary - underlying disease.
  • Emphysema.
  • Bullous disease.
  • Blunt force trauma - esp. rib fractures.
  • Interstitial lung disease.^{[citation needed]}
  • Iatrogenic.
  • Lymphangioleiomyomatosis.

Sign out

A. Lung, Right Upper Lobe - Apical Segment, Wedge Resection:
- Mild emphysematous changes.
- Focal subpleural fibrosis.
- NEGATIVE for significant inflammation.
- NEGATIVE for significant interstitial fibrosis.
- NEGATIVE for malignancy.
- Please see comment.

B. Lung, Right Upper Lobe - Posterior Segment, Wedge Resection:
- Mild emphysematous changes.
- Focal subpleural fibrosis.
- NEGATIVE for significant inflammation.
- NEGATIVE for significant interstitial fibrosis.
- NEGATIVE for malignancy.
- Please see comment.

Comment: 
The wedge-shaped pattern of fibrotic healing seen in the pleura is typical 
of spontaneous pneumothorax. 

The emphysema present may be a contributory factor; however, other causes 
must be excluded clinically. 

See also

• Pleura.
• Pleural effusion.
• Lung.
• Rounded atelectasis.