Abstract

Pneumothorax is a common presentation to the emergency department, arising from traumatic and non-traumatic aetiologies. Diagnosis of non-tension pneumothorax is by a visible lung edge on chest radiography together with the absence of lung markings more peripherally. The Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) system recommends tube thoracostomy as the definitive treatment for traumatic pneumothorax. The case is described of a patient who presented following thoracic trauma with an unusual finding on chest radiography that led to diagnostic confusion by mimicking a pneumothorax.