X-RayChestIntroductory
Tension pneumothorax
chesttraumaemergencypneumothoraxmediastinal shift
Clinical presentation
Trauma patient with acute severe dyspnoea, hypotension, distended neck veins and absent breath sounds on one side.
Key imaging findings
- Large hyperlucent hemithorax with a visible visceral pleural line and no lung markings peripherally
- Contralateral mediastinal shift
- Depression/flattening of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm
- Widening of the intercostal spaces on the affected side
Form your diagnosis, then reveal the answer.
Educational teaching content only. Imaging appearances vary; always correlate clinically and confirm with a qualified radiologist.