CB21.0

ICD-11 MMS 2026-01

Spontaneous tension pneumothorax

Description

A tension pneumothorax is present when the intrapleural pressure is greater than atmospheric throughout expiration and often during inspiration as well. The mechanism responsible for tension pneumothorax is the disruption of the visceral or parietal pleura in such a manner that a one-way valve develops. A tension pneumothorax can occur after any type of pneumothorax; it is independent of the etiology. It can sometimes occur after a spontaneous pneumothorax but is more common after a traumatic pneumothorax, with mechanical ventilation, or during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Index terms

  • Spontaneous tension pneumothorax
  • tension pneumothorax

Exclusions from above levels

  • 1B10.0 – pneumothorax: tuberculous (confirmed)
  • 1B10.1 – pneumothorax: tuberculous (not confirmed)
  • CA44 – pyopneumothorax
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  • NB32.0 – Traumatic pneumothorax
  • 01 – Certain infectious or parasitic diseases
  • 05 – Endocrine, nutritional or metabolic diseases
  • 18 – Complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium
  • 19 – Certain conditions originating in the perinatal period
  • 20 – Congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities
  • 22 – Injury, poisoning or certain other consequences of external causes

Sibling codes

  • CB21.1 – Other spontaneous pneumothorax
  • CB21.Y – Other specified pneumothorax
  • CB21.Z – Pneumothorax, unspecified

Foundation entity

Spontaneous tension pneumothorax – http://id.who.int/icd/entity/304972724

Allowed postcoordination axes

Part of: CB21: Pneumothorax › 12: Diseases of the respiratory system