Article Sections

Introduction

Pneumothorax (PTX) occurs when air enters the pleural space, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.  PTX can occur spontaneously in individuals without any known lung disease (primary PTX), as a complication of preexisting lung diseases (secondary PTX), or as a result of trauma.

Pathogenesis

Normally, pleural pressure is negative relative to alveolar pressure, keeping the lung expanded and held against the chest wall.  If air enters the pleural space through a hole in the lung surface (eg, ruptured bleb from emphysema), airway (eg, bronchopleural fistula from surgery), or chest wall (eg, penetrating chest wound), the pleurae will separate, eliminating the negative pressure gradient and causing the lung to collapse (because of the natural inward elastic recoil of the lungs), resulting in a

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