The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department

Pneumothoraces are a common and potentially severe condition in the emergency setting. Various pathophysiological mechanisms (spontaneous and traumatic) could be involved, consequently defining the diagnostic–therapeutic pathway. Understanding these underlying etiologies is essential for advancing d...

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Main Authors: Silvia Fattori, Gabriele Bellio, Matteo Maria Cimino, Hayato Kurihara
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
Series:Emergency Care and Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2813-7914/2/2/24
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author Silvia Fattori
Gabriele Bellio
Matteo Maria Cimino
Hayato Kurihara
author_facet Silvia Fattori
Gabriele Bellio
Matteo Maria Cimino
Hayato Kurihara
author_sort Silvia Fattori
collection DOAJ
description Pneumothoraces are a common and potentially severe condition in the emergency setting. Various pathophysiological mechanisms (spontaneous and traumatic) could be involved, consequently defining the diagnostic–therapeutic pathway. Understanding these underlying etiologies is essential for advancing diagnostic strategies and guiding therapeutic measures. Recent insights into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies focus on the role of ultrasound and the effectiveness of small-bore chest tubes in managing all types of pneumothoraces with a reduced risk of complications. Moreover, observation is emerging as a possible conservative approach in hemodynamically stable patients regardless of the etiology of the pneumothorax. This review aims to provide a valuable resource to improve diagnostic and therapeutic management, comparing traditional methods and promising, less invasive therapeutic interventions.
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spelling doaj-art-df3ab22bf2934937aa9a9772f242271b2025-08-20T02:24:42ZengMDPI AGEmergency Care and Medicine2813-79142025-05-01222410.3390/ecm2020024The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency DepartmentSilvia Fattori0Gabriele Bellio1Matteo Maria Cimino2Hayato Kurihara3Emergency Surgery Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, ItalyEmergency Surgery Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, ItalyEmergency Surgery Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, ItalyEmergency Surgery Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, ItalyPneumothoraces are a common and potentially severe condition in the emergency setting. Various pathophysiological mechanisms (spontaneous and traumatic) could be involved, consequently defining the diagnostic–therapeutic pathway. Understanding these underlying etiologies is essential for advancing diagnostic strategies and guiding therapeutic measures. Recent insights into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies focus on the role of ultrasound and the effectiveness of small-bore chest tubes in managing all types of pneumothoraces with a reduced risk of complications. Moreover, observation is emerging as a possible conservative approach in hemodynamically stable patients regardless of the etiology of the pneumothorax. This review aims to provide a valuable resource to improve diagnostic and therapeutic management, comparing traditional methods and promising, less invasive therapeutic interventions.https://www.mdpi.com/2813-7914/2/2/24pneumothoraxchest drainchest X-raylung ultrasound
spellingShingle Silvia Fattori
Gabriele Bellio
Matteo Maria Cimino
Hayato Kurihara
The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
Emergency Care and Medicine
pneumothorax
chest drain
chest X-ray
lung ultrasound
title The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
title_full The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
title_fullStr The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
title_full_unstemmed The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
title_short The Invisible Threat That Leaves You Breathless—A Literature Review on Pneumothorax in the Emergency Department
title_sort invisible threat that leaves you breathless a literature review on pneumothorax in the emergency department
topic pneumothorax
chest drain
chest X-ray
lung ultrasound
url https://www.mdpi.com/2813-7914/2/2/24
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