Advantages of Cardiopulmonary Ultrasound in Post-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Tension Pneumothorax.

Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition that frequently occurs in the setting of cardiopulmonary resuscitation as a result of positive pressure ventilation and chest compressions. Developing crepitus due to subcutaneous air can severely limit pleural ultrasound (US) views and hinder the diagnosis of pneumothorax by pleural US. Physicians trained in the use of point-of-care US must be familiar with the subcostal cardiac and inferior vena cava views associated with tension pneumothorax. These include a dilated, nondistensible inferior vena cava and hyperdynamic right heart as a result of a reduced preload.