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In contrast, tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency and may be treated before imaging – especially if there is severe hypoxia, very low blood pressure, or an impaired level of consciousness. In tension pneumothorax, X-rays are sometimes required if there is doubt about the anatomical location of the pneumothorax. [16] [18]
One must also consider the possibility of multiple types of shock being present. For example, a trauma patient may be hypovolemic from blood loss. This patient could also have tension pneumothorax due to trauma to the chest. [22] Vital signs in obstructive shock may show hypotension, tachycardia, and/or hypoxia.
Image shows early occurrence of tracheal deviation. Tracheal deviation is a clinical sign that results from unequal intrathoracic pressure within the chest cavity.It is most commonly associated with traumatic pneumothorax, but can be caused by a number of both acute and chronic health issues, such as pneumonectomy, atelectasis, pleural effusion, fibrothorax (pleural fibrosis), or some cancers ...
Left tension pneumothorax with a large, well-demarcated area devoid of lung markings with tracheal deviation and movement of the heart away from the affected side. Mediastinal shift is an abnormal movement of the mediastinal structures toward one side of the chest cavity .
Symptoms typically include sudden onset of sharp, one-sided chest pain and shortness of breath. [33] In a minority of cases, a one-way valve is formed by an area of damaged tissue, and the amount of air in the space between chest wall and lungs increases; this is called a tension pneumothorax. [32]
The affected lung "collapses" like a deflated balloon. A tension pneumothorax is a particularly severe form of this condition where the air in the pleural cavity cannot escape, so the pneumothorax keeps getting bigger until it compresses the heart and blood vessels, leading to a life-threatening situation.
Obstructive shock may be due to cardiac tamponade or a tension pneumothorax. [1] Distributive shock may be due to sepsis, anaphylaxis, injury to the upper spinal cord, or certain overdoses. [1] [4] The diagnosis is generally based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. [2]
The sudden impact on the thorax causes an increase in intrathoracic pressure. [4] In order for traumatic asphyxia to occur, a Valsalva maneuver is required when the traumatic force is applied. [6]