PNEUMOTHORAX EX VACUO

Pneumothorax ex vacuo is a little-known complication of lobar collapse , In this condition, acute bronchial obstruction from mucous plugs, as pirated foreign bodies, or malpositioned endotracheal tubes causes acu te lobar collapse and a marked increase in negative intrapleural press ure around the collapsed lobe, iis a result, gas is drawn into the ple ural space around the collapsed lobe while the seal between the viscer al and parietal pleura of the adjacent lobe or lobes remains intact, T he pneumothorax spontaneously resolves when the bronchial obstruction is relieved and the lobe reexpands. Recognition of pneumothorax ex vac uo is crucial in directing treatment to relieve the bronchial obstruct ion rather than inserting a chest tube into the pleural space.