title: Acute Pneumothorax.
abstract: Pneumothorax is defined as the abnormal presence of air within the pleural space (cavity) that results in the partial or complete collapse of a lung. It can occur spontaneously or due to a traumatic event. Symptoms can vary from a nondescriptive complaint of shortness of breath or chest pain to complete cardiopulmonary collapse. Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical suspicion along with supporting imaging studies. Treatment often involves surgical or nonsurgical approaches with goal to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Allegheny Health Network/Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: Hammad
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Arshad
authors.forename: Meilin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Rajashekar
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Adurty
authors.forename: Anil C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D012008:Recurrence; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology