Tension pneumothorax

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chest pain and shortness of breath following a rugby tackle.

Patient Data

Age: 40 years
Gender: Male

This case featured in our 2016 Trauma Radiology Course which is now available to view online.

x-ray

Large right sided tension pneumothorax. Note the expansion of the right hemithorax with mediastinal shift to the left, downward displacement of the diaphragm and widening of the rib spacing. Subsequent prompt successful decompression via a well-positioned intercostal catheter. 

Case Discussion

Large right tension pneumothorax and subsequent successful decompression. 

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