[bubble_denz]

elo.. i really need help with our case presentation.. my patient had been a chronic chain smoker eversince..he also has chronic cough..

ONE CHEST AP EXAM has remarks of: " moderately advanced ptb both upper lungs. minimal hyperinflation left pneumothorax w/ partially collapsed lung.
fibro infiltrations in both upper lobes."


what does it signify if you have fibro infiltrations in both upper lobes?
and i can't seem to connect the pathophysio of ptb to pneumothorax. could you help me pls?

[earle58]

Originally Posted by bubble_denz

what does it signify if you have fibro infiltrations in both upper lobes?
and i can't seem to connect the pathophysio of ptb to pneumothorax. could you help me pls?

a (tension) pneumothorax usually results from any lung/bronchial injury that allows free air to move into the pleural space (such as w/fibrotic patches/areas) but prevents the free air from leaving...
pneumothorax of this nature is frequently spontaneous and necessitates close monitoring and intervention.

leslie

[Daytonite]

In order for a pneumothorax to occur there must be a tear in either the visceral or parietal pleura which is the tissue encasing the lung. In COPD or pulmonary tuberculosis it will be the parietal pleura that ruptures due to the disease process going on. Pressure created by the inflammation process going on as waste products build up close to the pleural membrane as well as the pressure and tension caused by the patient's coughing will cause a rupture to occur.

"fibro infiltrations" is, basically, scar tissue caused by the tuberculosis. This is lung tissue that doesn't work very efficiently because it has lost its elasticity.

[bubble_denz]

thanks....