Hydropneumothorax

Hydropneumothorax implies presence of both air and fluid in the pleural space (i.e. between two layers of pleura). An erect chest xray will show 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