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pneumothorax Definition

pneumo·tho·rax (no̵̅o̅′mō t̸hôr′aks′, nyo̵̅o̅′-)

noun

the presence of air or gas in a pleural cavity, esp. as a result of perforation or rupture of the lung tissue

Etymology: ModL: see pneumo- & thorax

pneumothorax Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • have: He has a tension pneumothorax pressing on his heart.
  • cause: Trauma There are apparently over 60 cases of pneumothorax caused by acupuncture reported.
  • exclude: Try an alternative route ON THE SAME SIDE unless chest radiography is available to exclude any possible pneumothorax.
  • show: A chest X ray showed an apical pneumothorax on the left side with inferior displacement of the distal fracture segment.
  • suffer: Last week he suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax in his left lung.
  • include: This will include pneumothorax occurring as a result of positive-pressure ventilation ( over-pressure pulmonary barotrauma ).

Adjective modifier

  • spontaneous: Last week he suffered a spontaneous pneumothorax in his left lung.
  • e.g.: A chest X-ray is more helpful in excluding other diagnoses ( e.g. pneumothorax ), but may show a wedge shaped pulmonary infarct.
  • small: A small asymptomatic pneumothorax may rapidly develop into a life threatening tension pneumothorax during anesthesia.

Noun used with modifier

  • tension: He has a tension pneumothorax pressing on his heart.