Unexpected Lung Collapse Following Chest Tube Insertion for Pneumothorax Drainage in an Intubated Patient Due to Dislocation of the Endotracheal Tube

Abstract

A 67-year-old male patient was admitted to the intensive care unit following an uncomplicated heart operation. The initial postoperative chest X-ray revealed a total pneumothorax on the left side. Despite drainage of the left pleural space, a subsequent chest X-ray unexpectedly showed opacification of the left hemithorax. Partial withdrawal of the endotracheal tube resulted in complete expansion of the left lung. It is important to always consider the possibility of endotracheal tube dislocation in all intubated patients.