spontaneous pneumothorax

English

Noun

spontaneous pneumothorax (plural spontaneous pneumothoraces)

1. (pathology) A pulmonary condition resulting in the collection of air within the chest, which occurs absent traumatic injury. Spontaneous Pneumothorax are considered a medical emergency, generally requiring assistive radiographic evaluation to determine the extent of lung collapse, as well as determine the most appropriate course of emergency medical treatment for the patient. Abbreviated as SP.

See also

• primary spontaneous pneumothorax
• secondary pneumothorax
• artificial pneumothorax

Further reading

• American Lung Association Fact Sheet on Spontaneous Pneumothorax