Respiratory
Empyema
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J86P9RThe chest X-ray shows a large fluid collection in the right lung demonstrated by the opacification that blunts the costophrenic angle on the right side. There is also a meniscus present, which is generally indicative of fluid. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated an infiltrate with a mixture of densities within the same collection, consistent with a loculated effusion and concerning for an empyema.
Spontaneous Pneumothorax
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8M33BInitial chest radiograph showed a 50% right-sided pneumothorax with no mediastinal shift, which can be identified by the sharp line representing the pleural lung edge (see arrows) and lack of peripheral lung markings extending to the chest wall. While difficult to accurately estimate volume from a two-dimensional image, a 2 cm pneumothorax seen on chest radiograph correlates to approximately 50% volume.1 The patient underwent insertion of a pigtail pleural drain on the right and repeat chest radiograph showed resolution of previously seen pneumothorax. Ultimately the pigtail drain was removed and chest radiograph showed clear lung fields without evidence of residual pneumothorax or pleural effusion.
Realistic Chest Tube Simulator Using Pork Belly with Skin
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8R03JBy the end of this instructional session learners will be able to: 1) discuss the indications, contraindications, and complications associated with chest tube thoracostomy, 2) competently perform chest tube insertion on a simulator, and 3) properly secure chest tube.
Pneumonia Diagnosed by Point-of-Care Ultrasound
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8XP64Point-of-care ultrasound of the left lower lobe demonstrates lung hepatization, a classic finding for pneumonia. In addition, a shred sign is present with both air bronchograms and focal B-lines—all suggestive of poorly aerated, consolidated lung. The patient was started on antibiotics and admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of community-acquired pneumonia.
Re-expansion Pulmonary Edema
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8WS6VInitial chest X-ray (chest X-ray 1) showed a right-sided pleural effusion with compressive atelectasis of the mid to lower right lung. Repeat chest X-ray immediately after evacuation (chest X-ray 2) shows improvement of the pleural effusion and a new trace apical right pneumothorax measuring 6.7 mm. When the patient became tachypneic, a third X-ray (chest X-ray 3) showed persistent trace apical right pneumothorax measuring 6.7 mm.
Open Pneumothorax
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J88036A large chest wound was clinically obvious. A chest radiograph performed after intubation showed subcutaneous emphysema, an anterior rib fracture, and a right-sided pneumothorax. He was then taken to the operating room for further management.
Acute, massive pulmonary embolism with right heart strain and hypoxia requiring emergent tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) infusion
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J84K5KCT angiogram showed multiple large acute pulmonary emboli, most significantly in the distal right main pulmonary artery (image 1 and 2). Additional pulmonary emboli were noted in the bilateral lobar, segmental, and subsegmental levels of all lobes. There was a peripheral, wedge-shaped consolidation surrounded by groundglass changes in the posterolateral basal right lower lobe that was consistent with a small lung infarction (image 3).
Ventilator TBL
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8H01MAt completion of this TBL the learner should be able to: 1. Choose appropriate ventilator settings and adjustments for a patient with lung injury or obstructive lung pattern 2. Troubleshoot an alarming ventilator 3. Set up the most common ventilator in their ED 4. Set up the equipment needed for transtracheal jet ventilation.
An Elderly Female with Dyspnea and Abdominal Pain
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J83S3KRadiography shows a dilated, gas-filled structure that fills nearly the entire left hemi-thorax. Lung markings are visible in the uppermost portion of the left hemi-thorax. There is mediastinal shift to the right. In the visualized portion of the abdomen, dilated loops of bowel are also visualized. This constellation of findings is consistent with a tension gastrothorax.
Pulmonary Embolism: Diagnosis by Computerized Tomography without Intravenous Contrast
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21980/J8001ZNon-contrast CT of the chest demonstrates hyper-densities within both central and sub-segmental pulmonary arteries bilaterally (see yellow arrows). The right ventricle is dilated.