MediAI

  Keywords: Hydropneumothorax, Pneumothorax, Pleural Effusion, Chest X-ray, CT Imaging, Thoracentesis Complications, Lung Collapse, Pleural Diseases, Radiology Diagnosis, Respiratory Emergency   Abstract Hydropneumothorax is a clinically significant condition defined by the simultaneous presence of both air and fluid within the pleural cavity. This dual pathology leads to complex physiological compromise and often represents a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention. This comprehensive expert-level review explores the pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging characteristics, differential diagnosis, diagnostic approach, treatment strategies, and prognosis of hydropneumothorax, using a real-world clinical case supported by radiographic imaging. 1. Introduction Hydropneumothorax refers to the accumulation of both air (pneumothorax) and fluid (pleural effusion) within the pleural space. Although pneumothorax and pleural eff...