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On radiological studies, pneumothorax is visualized using conventional chest x-rays and CT scans. In 90% of the cases, the pneumothorax is located on the right side. In some cases, small nodules can be seen in the pleura using CT scans. Confirmation can be done using video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). [8]
In some lung diseases, especially emphysema, it is possible for abnormal lung areas such as bullae (large air-filled sacs) to have the same appearance as a pneumothorax on chest X-ray, and it may not be safe to apply any treatment before the distinction is made and before the exact location and size of the pneumothorax is determined. [15]
The cysts appear as bubbles in the left lung. Congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) is a rare disease in which the lung airways develop abnormally in the fetus. This leads to infants having pockets of air and cystic masses in their lungs. These can expand in size and cause a mediastinal shift, especially in the higher grades of CPAM.
A pneumatocele results when a lung laceration, a cut or tear in the lung tissue, fills with air. [4] A rupture of a small airway creates the air-filled cavity. [1] Pulmonary lacerations that fill with blood are called pulmonary hematomas. [4]
A reduction in the size of one side of the chest (hemithorax) on an X-ray or CT scan of the chest suggests chronic scarring. [6] Signs of the underlying disease causing the fibrothorax are also occasionally seen on the X-ray. [6] A CT scan may show features similar to those seen on a plain X-ray. [7]
Therefore, pneumothorax is usually more of a problem than hemothorax. [8] A pneumothorax may form or be turned into a tension pneumothorax by mechanical ventilation, which may force air out of the tear in the lung. [12] The laceration may also close up by itself, which can cause it to trap blood and potentially form a cyst or hematoma. [8]
The cyst can also become infected and form an abscess, or a painful, puss-filled pocket. Once branchial cysts begin growing, doctors will advise immediate removal to prevent further infection.
A focal lung pneumatosis is an enclosed pocket of air or gas in the lung and includes blebs, bullae, pulmonary cysts, and lung cavities. Blebs and bullae can be classified by their wall thickness. [1] A bleb has a wall thickness of less than 1 mm. [2] By radiology definition, it is up to 1 cm in total size. [3]