http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Pneumothorax_CT.jpg. This is a CT axial image of a chest with a left sided pneumothorax with a chest tube in place. A pneumothorax is caused by accumulation of air or gas in the plural cavity. This can be a result of disease, injury, or it can happen spontaneously. A pneumothorax can cause shortness of breath, cough, cyanosis, chest pain, and arm or back pain. A penetrating chest wound will cause a flopping sound to be heard in the punctured lung. If untreated it can cause loss of consciousness or coma, mediastinum shift, or it can lead to death. It can be treated by placing a chest tube or can be aspirated with a needle if it is small.
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