ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES WITH RIGHT-SIDED PNEUMOTHORAX

Pneumothorax is a well-known complication of central line placement in the intensive care unit. Other causes include spontaneous pneumothora x, trauma, and infection. Most frequently, dyspnea or respiratory deco mpensation raises suspicion for pneumothorax, especially after central line placement. The diagnosis is confirmed by physical examination an d chest radiography. We present five cases of right-sided pneumothorax in which electrocardiographic findings resolved with reexpansion of t he lung, A new finding is reported in two cases.