title: Gastrothorax or tension pneumothorax: A diagnostic dilemma.
abstract: Gastrothorax, a rare complication following thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, is reported. The clinical features of a gastrothorax and tension pneumothorax are similar and thus, a gastrothorax can masquerade as a tension pneumothorax. The diagnosis is made by a high level of clinical suspicion, chest X-ray shows a distended stomach with air fluid levels and a computerised tomography is useful in assessing the diaphragm and establishing the positions of the various intra-abdominal organs. Also, the risk of an intercostal drainage tube placement and the role of nasogastric tube in avoiding the development of a tension gastrothorax is highlighted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiac Anaesthesia, Cardiothoracic Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: Sarvesh P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Subin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sukesan
authors.forename: Usha
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Kiran
authors.forename: Neeti
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Makhija