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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

A pneumothorax is generally diagnosed using a chest X-ray. In some cases, computerized tomography (CT) may be needed to provide more detailed images. CT scanners combine X-ray images taken from many different directions to produce cross-sectional views of internal structures.

Treatments and drugs Complications
References
  1. Light RW, et al. Pneumothorax, chylothorax, hemothorax and fibrothorax. In: Mason RJ, et al. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/192068760-2/0/1288/0.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
  2. Celli BR. Diseases of the diaphragm, chest wall, pleura and mediastinum: The pleura. In: Goldman L, et al. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/191371208-2/0/1492/0.html#. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
  3. Rosenow EC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 31, 2011.
  4. Eckstein M, et al. Thoracic trauma: Pulmonary injuries. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..X0001-1--TOP&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
  5. Legome E. General approach to blunt thoracic trauma in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
  6. Light RW. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
  7. Light RW. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 26, 2011.
DS00943 April 5, 2011

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