Medical Encyclopedia
Pneumothorax
The pleura is a thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. The space between the pleura and the lungs is usually very thin. Pneumothorax is the collection of air or gas in this space around the lungs, which leads to a lung collapse. The most common cause of pneumothorax is a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator).
Update Date: 4/24/2008
Updated by: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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