Pleura and Air Leak
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Pleura and Air Leak conditions
Pleural Effusions (Exudative)Exudative pleural effusions result from increased capillary permeability due to inflammation or malignancy, distinguished by high protein and LDH levels in fluid.Pleural Effusions (Transudative)Transudative pleural effusions result from systemic factors like increased hydrostatic pressure or decreased oncotic pressure, causing fluid accumulation without inflammation.PneumomediastinumPneumomediastinum is the presence of air in the mediastinum, often caused by alveolar rupture or trauma, leading to chest pain and subcutaneous emphysema.Primary Spontaneous PneumothoraxPrimary spontaneous pneumothorax is a sudden lung collapse in young, tall, thin individuals caused by rupture of subpleural blebs, often without underlying lung disease.Secondary Spontaneous PneumothoraxSecondary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs when air enters the pleural space due to underlying lung disease, causing sudden chest pain and shortness of breath.Tension PneumothoraxTension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition where trapped air causes lung collapse and mediastinal shift, leading to severe respiratory distress.Traumatic PneumothoraxTraumatic pneumothorax occurs when chest trauma causes air to enter the pleural space, leading to lung collapse and respiratory distress.