Evaluation and management of pneumothorax

Abstract

Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air within the pleural space and implicates that either the visceral or parietal pleura have been disrupted. In this article the classification of pneumothorax, incidence, pathogenesis, and the radiological evaluation and different quantitative measures of pneumothorax were reviewed. In this communication, we also explored the goals of therapy and the variable treatment options, and elaborated on re-expansion pulmonary edema as a potentially serious complication of pleural drainage. Finally, air travel as a predisposing factor for secondary pneumothorax, the possible pathogenesis and incidence were discussed.