Hydropneumothorax

Although a hydropneumothorax is not frequently mentioned in the medical literature [1], its non-specific clinical appearance has been attributed to several conditions. Tumors, such as malignant pleural mesotheliomas (MPMs) and angiosarcomas, are documented as potential causes, whereas tuberculosis is designated as the most common infectious etiology of a hydropneumothorax, but hydatid lung disease caused by echinococcus granulosus is also reported as a possible cause [1] [2] [3] [4]. On the other hand, invasive procedures of the lungs - thoracocentesis, placement of chest tubes and even a transbronchial biopsy all carry a risk for a post-procedural hydropneumothorax, suggesting their important role in the pathogenesis of this condition [5]. The clinical presentation starts with an acute onset of respiratory insufficiency characterized by dyspnea, breathlessness and an overall decline in respiratory function, whereas additional signs of fever and constitutional symptoms (weight loss, malaise, anorexia) are often seen if tuberculosis is the underlying cause [1]. Chest pain aggravated by deep breathing and a cough is reported in patients who suffer from hydatid disease, in whom cystic penetration into the pleural space causes hydropneumothorax [4]. In a small number of cases, an urticarial reaction and even anaphylaxis can occur once immune cells interact with the echinococcal cysts [4].

Although a hydropneumothorax is principally diagnosed through imaging studies, physicians can include it in the differential diagnosis of respiratory symptoms only after a thorough patient history and a physical examination focused on lung auscultation. Tachypnea, signs of cyanosis and an "inconclusive" lung sound heard at the level of hydropneumothorax formation should prompt the physician to order a plain chest X-ray, a procedure that will undoubtedly reveal an air-fluid level lined almost perfectly at a horizontal level, mimicking pleural effusion [6]. Furthermore, signs of lung collapse and pleural effusion may be shown on plain radiography and computed tomography (CT), which is also recommended during workup, especially if radiography is not conclusive [6]. However, transthoracic sonography (TS) has shown to be an equally useful method in detecting pleural pathologies [7]. In fact, its cost-effectiveness and the ability to perform the procedure bed-side, favor its use over plain radiography, especially when only supine X-rays can be carried out due to the overall condition of the patient [7].

1. Kasargod V, Awad NT. Clinical profile, etiology, and management of hydropneumothorax: An Indian experience. Lung India. 2016;33(3):278-280.
2. Fayed HE, Woodcock VK, Grayez J. Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous hydropneumothorax: a rare presentation of bilateral malignant pleural mesothelioma. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013:bcr2013009350.
3. Chang JH, Kim JH, Hong S-H, et al. Angiosarcoma Presenting with Spontaneous Hydropneumothorax: Report of a Case and Review of the Literature. Open Respir Med J. 2014;8:48-54.
4. Zefov VN, Almatrooshi MA. Chest X-ray findings in late-onset congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a rare emergency easily misdiagnosed as hydropneumothorax: a case report. Journal of Medical Case Reports. 2015;9:291.
5. Boland GW, Gazelle GS, Girard MJ, Mueller PR. Asymptomatic hydropneumothorax after therapeutic thoracentesis for malignant pleural effusions. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 1998;170(4):943-946.
6. Atay AE, Oruc M, Sayin T, Gullu MN. Urticaria and hydropneumothorax as an exceptional cause of ruptured hydatid cyst of lung. J Postgrad Med. 2013;59(4):328-330.
7. Reissig A, Kroegel C. Accuracy of transthoracic sonography in excluding post-interventional pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax. Comparison to chest radiography. Eur J Radiol. 2005;53(3):463-470.

• Hydropneumothorax pathophysiology
  Guest, 2017-12-12 11:33