Tracheal Deviation
October 21st, 2019
Overview
Look For
- Deviation of the trachea from the midline to either side.
Causes of Tracheal Deviation
- Volume loss - lobectomy, pneumonectomy, significant atelectasis
- Volume expansion - tension pneumothorax, large pleural effusion
Interpretation
- Tracheal deviation toward the affected side - occurs due to volume loss
- Tracheal deviation away from the affected side - occurs due to volume expansion
Example
- Tracheal deviation away from a large pneumothorax.
![Tracheal deviation away from a large pneumothorax.]()
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