Tension pneumothorax resident survival guide: Difference between revisions

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{{familytree | | | | B01 | | | | |B01= <div style="float: Left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Examine the patient:'''<BR>
{{familytree | | | | B01 | | | | |B01= <div style="float: Left; text-align: left; width: 40em; padding:1em;">'''Examine the patient:'''<BR>
'''Appearance of the patient'''<br>
'''Appearance of the patient'''<br>
❑ Patient with [[tension pneumothorax]] is severely distressed with [[labored respirations]].  
❑ Patient with [[tension pneumothorax]] is severely distressed with [[labored respirations]].
----
'''Vital signs'''<BR>
'''Vital signs'''<BR>
----
❑ [[Pulse]]:<BR>
❑ [[Pulse]]:<BR>
:❑ Rate
:❑ Rate
Line 91: Line 93:
:❑ [[Tachypnea]]<BR>
:❑ [[Tachypnea]]<BR>


'''Skin'''<br>


'''Focused chest examination:'''<ref name="pmid20696690">{{cite journal| author=MacDuff A, Arnold A, Harvey J, BTS Pleural Disease Guideline Group| title=Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010. | journal=Thorax | year= 2010 | volume= 65 Suppl 2 | issue=  | pages= ii18-31 | pmid=20696690 | doi=10.1136/thx.2010.136986 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20696690  }} </ref><BR>
❑ [[Cyanosis]]<br>


'''Neck'''<br>
❑ [[Jugular venous distension]] (absent in severe [[hypotension]])<BR>
----
'''Respiratory examination:'''<ref name="pmid20696690">{{cite journal| author=MacDuff A, Arnold A, Harvey J, BTS Pleural Disease Guideline Group| title=Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010. | journal=Thorax | year= 2010 | volume= 65 Suppl 2 | issue=  | pages= ii18-31 | pmid=20696690 | doi=10.1136/thx.2010.136986 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=20696690  }} </ref><BR>
----
'''Inspection'''<BR>
'''Inspection'''<BR>
❑ Enlarged involved [[Thorax|hemithorax]]<BR>
❑ Enlarged involved [[hemithorax]]<BR>
❑ [[Jugular venous distension]] (absent in severe [[hypotension]])<BR>
❑ [[Intercostal space]] widening on the affected [[hemithorax]]<br>
❑ [[Intercostal space]] widening on the affected hemithorax<br>
'''Palpation'''<BR>
'''Palpation'''<BR>
❑ Reduced [[lung expansion]] on the affected side <BR>
❑ Reduced [[lung expansion]] on the affected side <BR>
Line 103: Line 111:
❑ Decreased [[vocal fremitus]] over the affected [[hemithorax]]<BR>
❑ Decreased [[vocal fremitus]] over the affected [[hemithorax]]<BR>
❑ Displacement of the [[apex beat]]<BR>
❑ Displacement of the [[apex beat]]<BR>
'''Percussion'''<BR>
'''Percussion'''<BR>
❑ [[Percussion|Hyperresonance]] over the affected [[hemithorax]]<BR>
❑ [[Percussion|Hyperresonance]] over the affected [[hemithorax]]<BR>
'''Auscultation'''<BR>
'''Auscultation'''<BR>
❑ Diminished [[breath sounds]] on the affected side<BR>
❑ Diminished [[breath sounds]] on the affected side<BR>


[[File:Tension pneumothorax 11.jpg|400px]]<BR>
[[File:Tension pneumothorax 11.jpg|400px]]<BR>
 
----
'''Additional findings in ventilated patients:'''<br>
'''Additional findings in ventilated patients:'''<br>
----
❑ Decreased [[oxygen saturation]]<br>
❑ Decreased [[oxygen saturation]]<br>
❑ Increase in inflation pressure <br>
❑ Increase in inflation pressure <br>

Revision as of 20:17, 24 March 2014

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mohamed Moubarak, M.D. [2]

Synonyms and keywords: Collapsed lung; air around the lung; air outside the lung

Tension Pneumothorax Resident Survival Guide Microchapters
Overview
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Do's
Don'ts

Overview

Tension pneumothorax is a medical emergency resulting from accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. Air enters the intrapleural space as a result of disruption in the parietal pleura, visceral pleura or tracheobronchial tree, this disruption results in the formation of a one way valve which allows the air to enter in the pleural cavity (during inspiration) but prevents its escape (during expiration). Subsequently, pressure inside the pleural cavity rises high enough to cause respiratory and cardiovascular failure. Tension pneumothorax can occur as a result of trauma, ventilation, resuscitation and preexisting lung disease.[1] It should be managed immediately with emergency needle decompression.

Causes

Life Threatening Causes

Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition and must be treated as such irrespective of the underlying cause.

Common Causes

Tension pneumothorax can be a complication of primary, or secondary pneumothorax. The most common causes of tension pneumothorax are:

Diagnosis

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the diagnostic approach of tension pneumothorax based on the British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010.[1]


 
 
 
Characterize the symptoms:[1]

Tension pneumothorax requires immediate intervention. It should be diagnosed based on the history and physical examination findings.

Dyspnoea
Chest pain
Cyanosis
Sweating
Anxiety
Fatigue
❑ Decreased consciousness (in late stages)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Identify the precipitating factors:

(Diagnosis of pneumothorax is more likely if any of the following is present)
❑ Recent invasive procedures

Thoracentesis
Central venous catheter
Bronchoscopy
Pleural biopsy

Mechanical ventilation
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
❑ Presence of chest drains
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment

❑ Chest wall trauma
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Examine the patient:

Appearance of the patient
❑ Patient with tension pneumothorax is severely distressed with labored respirations.


Vital signs


Pulse:

❑ Rate
Tachycardia
❑ Rhythm
❑ Regular
❑ Strength
❑ Weak

Blood pressure

Hypotension

Respiratory rate

Tachypnea

Skin

Cyanosis

Neck

Jugular venous distension (absent in severe hypotension)


Respiratory examination:[1]


Inspection
❑ Enlarged involved hemithorax
Intercostal space widening on the affected hemithorax
Palpation
❑ Reduced lung expansion on the affected side
Trachea shifted to the opposite side
❑ Decreased vocal fremitus over the affected hemithorax
❑ Displacement of the apex beat
Percussion
Hyperresonance over the affected hemithorax
Auscultation
❑ Diminished breath sounds on the affected side



Additional findings in ventilated patients:


❑ Decreased oxygen saturation
❑ Increase in inflation pressure
❑ Increase in peak airway pressure

❑ Airway pressure alarm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rule out the following alternative diagnosis clinically:

Acute myocardial infarction
Pericardial tamponade

Pulmonary embolism

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stable patient
 
Unstable patient
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
❑ Proceed with imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis

Imaging studies:
❑ Perform chest X-ray

❑ Perform serial chest X-ray every 6 hours to rule out pneumothorax in cases of trauma.[2]


Picture courtesy of Wikidoc.org
Left-sided tension pneumothorax

❑ Air in the pleural cavity
❑ Contralateral deviation of mediastinum
❑ Increased thoracic volume
❑ Ipsilateral flattening of heart border
❑ Mid diaphragmatic depression

❑ Chest CT scanning

❑ For uncertain or complex cases


Picture courtesy of Wikidoc.org
Left-sided pneumothorax. A chest tube is in place, the lumen (black) can be seen adjacent to the pleural cavity (black) and ribs (white).

Ultrasonography (indicated in supine trauma patients)
 
❑ Administer high concentration oxygen

❑ Perform emergent needle decompression (14-16 G)

❑ Instantaneous escape of air confirms the diagnosis of tension pneumothorax
 
 

Treatment

Shown below is an algorithm depicting the treatment approach to tension pneumothorax based on the British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010.[1]

 
 
 
Initial supportive measures:

(In cases of chest wall trauma)
❑ Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC)
❑ Immediately cover penetrating chest wounds with an occlusive or pressure bandage
❑ Administer 100% oxygen [2]

❑ Seek expert consultation (thoracic surgeon)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency needle decompression:

❑ Aseptic preparation

❑ Use alcohol-based skin disinfectants (two applications)

❑ Use 14-16 G intravenous cannula
❑ Site

❑ 2nd intercostal space, midclavicular line(of affected hemithorax)
❑ Use 4th or 5th intercostal space on mid or anterior axillary line, if initial decompression is failed because of thick chest wall[1]

❑ Listen for gush of air
Don`t repeat needle aspiration unless there were technical difficulties

❑ Watch how to do a needle decompression {{#ev:youtube|UvHJ4pjNh2Q|400|How to do a needle decompression}} Video adapted from Youtube.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Admit the patient
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insert chest drain

❑ Obtain the informed consent
❑ Insert chest tube immediately after the needle decompression ❑ Administer initial parenteral dose of first-generation cephalosporins only in patients with chest wall trauma (to decrease the risk of empyema and pneumonia)
❑ Use imaging guidance

❑ A recent chest X-ray done before the procedure
❑ Standard erect postro-anterior chest x-ray

❑ Ensure asepsis
❑ Administer adequate analgesics
❑ Make sure that following equipments are available:

❑ 1% lignocaine
Iodine or chlorhexidine solution in alcohol
❑ Sterile drapes, gown, gloves
❑ Needles, syringes, gauze swabs
❑ Scalpel, suture (0 or 1-0 silk)
Chest tube kit
❑ Closed system drain (including water) and tubing
❑ Dressing
❑ Clamp

Site

❑Insert chest tube at the triangle of safety bordered by:
❑ Superiorly: the base of the axilla
❑ Anteriorly: lateral edge of pectoralis major
❑ Laterally: lateral edge of latissimus dorsi
❑ Inferiorly: the line of the fifth intercostal space



Insert the chest tube
❑ Leave the cannula in place until bubbling is observed in the chest drain underwater seal system
❑ Check chest tubes frequently, as they can become plugged or malpositioned
Avoid complications:
❑ Pain

❑ Administer analgesics
❑ Administer local anesthesia

❑ Intrapleural infection

❑ Use aseptic technique

Wound infection

❑ Use antibiotics prophylaxis
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Discharge and follow up

❑ All patients should be followed up by respiratory physicians
❑ Advise to return to hospital if increasing breathlessness develops
❑ Advise to avoid air travel
❑ Advise to avoid diving

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Do`s

  • Tension pneumothorax diagnosis should be made based on the history and physical examination findings.
  • Serial chest radiographs every 6 hrs on the first day after injury to rule out pneumothorax is ideal.[2]
  • Leave the cannula in place until bubbling is confirmed in the chest drain underwater seal system
  • Suspect tension pneumothorax with blunt and penetrating trauma to the chest
  • Differentiate tension pneumothorax from pericardial tamponade, and myocardial infarction.
  • Suspect tension pneumothorax in patients on mechanical ventilations, who have a rapid onset of hemodynamic instability or cardiac arrest, and require increasing peak inspiratory pressures.
  • Check chest tubes, as they can become plugged or malpositioned and stop functioning.
  • Give adequate analgesia to patients before chest tube insertion, as the procedure is extremely painful.
  • Refer the patient to respiratory specialist within 24h of admission.

Dont`s

  • Don`t start using chest radiograph or CT scan unless in doubt regarding the diagnosis and when the patient's clinical condition is sufficiently stable.
  • Don`t use large bore chest drains.[1]
  • Don`t repeat needle aspiration unless there were technical difficulties.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 MacDuff A, Arnold A, Harvey J, BTS Pleural Disease Guideline Group (2010). "Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010". Thorax. 65 Suppl 2: ii18–31. doi:10.1136/thx.2010.136986. PMID 20696690.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Sharma A, Jindal P (2008). "Principles of diagnosis and management of traumatic pneumothorax". J Emerg Trauma Shock. 1 (1): 34–41. doi:10.4103/0974-2700.41789. PMC 2700561. PMID 19561940.


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