Thus, they will be included in this topic for the purposes of discussion. (See 'Alveolar rupture' below and 'Diagnostic evaluation and management' below.)Īlthough not true barotrauma, direct injury to the alveolar or pleural space (eg, from chest trauma or biopsy) results in conditions that present and are managed similarly. Pulmonary barotrauma from invasive mechanical ventilation refers to alveolar rupture due to elevated transalveolar pressure (the alveolar pressure minus the pressure in the adjacent interstitial space) air leaks into extra-alveolar tissue resulting in conditions including pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema. (See 'Clinical and physiologic complications of mechanical ventilation: Overview'.)ĭEFINITION - Barotrauma is physical damage to body tissues caused by a difference in pressure between a gas space inside the body and its surrounding external environment. Additional complications of mechanical ventilation are described separately. The prevention, diagnostic evaluation, and management of pulmonary barotrauma are discussed in this topic review. Thus, it is important that clinicians prevent, recognize, and promptly manage barotrauma in this population. Pulmonary barotrauma may be associated with increased mortality and in some circumstances it may be life-threatening. It is most often due to alveolar rupture resulting in the release of air into extra-alveolar locations. INTRODUCTION - Pulmonary barotrauma can complicate mechanical ventilation.

Lung barotrauma symptoms