Etymed
pneumothorax
Definition
Abnormal presence of air in the pleural cavity of the chest
Clinical context
A 22-year-old male presents to the emergency department after a car accident with sudden onset of sharp chest pain and shortness of breath. Physical examination reveals decreased breath sounds on the affected side. Chest X-ray confirms the diagnosis of pneumothorax with air in the pleural space. He requires immediate chest tube insertion for treatment.
Mnemonic
Pneumothorax: Pneumo (air) thorax (chest cavity) - think 'pneumo' as in 'pneumonia' but with air instead of fluid, and 'thorax' for the chest cavity