MANUAL OF CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS
Tracheal deviation is an anatomical alteration where the trachea shifts from its usual central position in the neck. This deviation may indicate the presence of serious pathological conditions affecting the mediastinum, lungs, pleura, or the skeletal structure of the thorax. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial, as some of these conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical intervention.
Pathology | Clinical Symptoms and Signs | Suspected Diagnosis | Confirmatory Diagnosis |
|---|---|---|---|
Contralateral Tension Pneumothorax | Severe dyspnoea, chest pain, decreased breath sounds, hypotension | Medical history, physical examination, contralateral tracheal deviation | Chest X-ray, chest computed tomography (CT) |
Ipsilateral Pneumothorax | Dyspnoea, chest pain, decreased breath sounds on the affected side | Medical history, physical examination, ipsilateral tracheal deviation | Chest X-ray, chest CT |
Ipsilateral Upper Lobe Collapse | Dyspnoea, cough, chest pain, decreased breath sounds on the affected side | Medical history, physical examination, ipsilateral tracheal deviation | Chest X-ray, chest CT |
Contralateral Pleural Effusion | Dyspnoea, chest pain, dull percussion, decreased breath sounds | Medical history, physical examination, contralateral tracheal deviation | Chest X-ray, thoracic ultrasound, chest CT |
Scoliosis | Abnormal spinal curvature, thoracic asymmetry, back pain | Physical examination, observation of spinal curvature | Spinal X-ray, chest CT |
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