OLEOTHORAX Meaning and
Definition
-
Oleothorax is a medical term referring to the accumulation of oil or fat within the thoracic cavity, particularly in the pleural cavity. The thoracic cavity is the chest cavity that houses vital organs such as the lungs, heart, and major blood vessels. The pleural cavity is the space between the two layers of the pleura, a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall and covers the lungs.
Oleothorax typically occurs as a result of a traumatic injury, such as a penetrating chest wound or a surgical procedure that inadvertently punctures or damages an adjacent structure containing oil or fat. In such cases, oil or fat from the injured structure can leak or spill into the pleural cavity, leading to the accumulation of this substance.
The presence of oleothorax can lead to various complications and symptoms, depending on the amount of oil or fat accumulated and its effect on the surrounding structures. These complications can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, coughing, and respiratory distress. If left untreated, oleothorax can impair lung function, cause infection, or lead to the formation of scar tissue in the thoracic cavity.
Treatment for oleothorax involves drainage of the accumulated oil or fat from the pleural cavity, which requires surgical intervention. The underlying cause of the oleothorax must also be addressed. Overall, the prognosis and outcomes of oleothorax depend on the extent of injury, timely diagnosis, and appropriate management.
Common Misspellings for OLEOTHORAX
- ileothorax
- kleothorax
- lleothorax
- pleothorax
- 0leothorax
- 9leothorax
- okeothorax
- opeothorax
- ooeothorax
- olwothorax
- olsothorax
- oldothorax
- olrothorax
- ol4othorax
- ol3othorax
- oleithorax
- olekthorax
- olelthorax
- olepthorax
- ole0thorax
Etymology of OLEOTHORAX
The word "oleothorax" is derived from two Greek terms: "oleo" meaning "oil" and "thorax" meaning "chest".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
