Master Spontaneous Pneumothorax with Picmonic for Physician Assistant

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Spontaneous Pneumothorax

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Spontaneous pneumothorax occurs due to rupture of a subpleural emphysematous bleb that leads to the accumulation of air in the pleural space. It is more common in tall and thin young males.

9 KEY FACTS

Rupture of apical blebs causes air to accumulate in the pleural space.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is more common in taller and thinner (asthenic) individuals.

The mechanism for formation of these blebs or bulla is unknown but have been attributed to congenital abnormalities, inflammation of the bronchioles and disturbances of the collateral ventilation.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is more common in individuals with underlying disease of the small airways. Examples of this include interstitial lung disease, infection of the lung, lung cancer, COPD, and connective tissue diseases.

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch can lead to decreased PaO₂.

Dyspnea and chest pain are the most common symptoms.

Decreased breath sounds are heard due to presence of air in the pleural space.

Increased intrapleural pressure can lead to hyperresonance on percussion.

Dyspnea (SOB) and chest pain are the most common symptoms.

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