Hydropneumothorax

Hydropneumothorax implies presence of both air and fluid in the pleural space ( i.e. between two layers of pleura. An erect chest x-ray will show the air fluid level. The horizontal fluid level is usually well defined and extends across the whole length of hemithorax.

Causes

• Iatrogenic: Introduction of air during pleural fluid aspiration in effusion.
• Presence of gas forming organism.
• Trauma

Signs This can be remembered by 4 'S' 1.Straight line dullness 2.Shifting dullness 3.Succussion splash 4.Sound of coin