%0 Journal Article
%T Gastrothorax or tension pneumothorax: A diagnostic dilemma
%A Singh Sarvesh
%A Sukesan Subin
%A Kiran Usha
%A Makhija Neeti
%J Journal of Emergencies, Trauma and Shock
%D 2011
%I Medknow Publications
%X 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.
%K Gastrothorax
%K tension
%K pneumothorax
%K diagnostic dilemma
%U http://www.onlinejets.org/article.asp?issn=0974-2700;year=2011;volume=4;issue=1;spage=128;epage=129;aulast=Singh