Friday December 28, 2007
Abdominal exam in pneumothorax


Q; Why abdominal exam is important in pneumothorax?

A; Abdominal distension could be appreciated in pneumothorax as increased pressure in the thoracic cavity produces caudal deviation of the diaphragm. Also, secondary pneumoperitoneum may produced as air dissects across the diaphragm through the pores of Kohn.


Related previous pearl: Skinfold or pneumothorax ?