Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “PNEUMOTHORAX”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Pneumothorax in pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a smoking-related interstitial lung disease characterized by development of cystic changes that predispose to occurrence of pneumothorax. STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency, recurrence rate, and optimal management of pneumothorax associated with PLCH. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care, referral medical center. PATIENTS: One hundred two adults >or= 18 years old with histologically confirmed PLCH seen at Mayo Clinic Rochester over a 23-year period from 1976 to 1998. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Sixteen of 102 patients (16%) with PLCH had pneumothorax; mean age at the time of diagnosis was 29.4 years (range, 18 to 52 years), and all had smoked cigarettes. There were 37 episodes of pneumothoraces (1 to 5 episodes per patient); 10 patients (63%) had more than one episode. Median age at diagnosis of PLCH was significantly younger in patients with pneumothorax when compared to those without pneumothorax (27 years vs 41.5 years, p < 0.001), but pulmonary function parameters and survival after diagnosis were not significantly different. Rate of recurrent pneumothorax was 58% to the ipsilateral side when the episode was managed by observation or chest tube without pleurodesis, and 0% after surgical management with pleurodesis. CONCLUSIONS: These data support the early use of surgical therapy with pleurodesis in managing patients with PLCH and spontaneous pneumothorax.

Adolescent↗

Emphysema and pneumothorax after percutaneous tracheostomy: case reports and an anatomic study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Part 1: To describe cases of emphysema (subcutaneous and/or mediastinal) and pneumothorax after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in a series of 326 patients, and to review the existing literature describing the incidence and possible mechanisms. Part 2: To analyze the potential mechanisms for the development of emphysema and pneumothorax in human cadaver models. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of PDTs, in combination with an anatomic study in human cadavers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part 1: All ICU patients who underwent PDT between 1997 and 2002 were enrolled in the study. We analyzed the cases of emphysema and pneumothorax. Similar cases were retrieved from the literature and underwent a systematic review. Part 2: The relevant anatomic structures were studied. We simulated the clinical situation after PDT in a human pathologic study in order to induce subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Part 1: Five cases of subcutaneous emphysema (1.5%) and two cases of pneumothorax (0.6%) are described. In the literature search, we found 41 cases of emphysema (1.4%) and 25 cases of pneumothorax (0.8%) in a total of 3,012 patients. Part 2: Subcutaneous emphysema could easily be induced in a human cadaver model by inflating air in the pretracheal tissues and after posterior tracheal wall laceration. Air leakage was also possible through a fenestrated cannula via the space between the inner nonfenestrated cannula and outer cannula and then through the fenestration. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that one mechanism for the development of emphysema is an imperfect positioning of the fenestrated cannula, whereby the fenestration is extraluminal. For this reason, fenestrated cannulas should not be used immediately after placement of a PDT. Posterior tracheal wall laceration is another mechanism responsible for emphysema after PDT. After perforation of the posterior tracheal wall, the pleural space can be reached easily. This may result in a pneumothorax.

Adult↗

Pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax is a complication that is commonly reported in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). An understanding of the pathophysiology of this complication and its consequences is important for the management of patients with CF. OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with pneumothorax and to determine the prognosis of CF patients following an episode of pneumothorax. DESIGN: A retrospective observational cohort study of the National Cystic Fibrosis Patient Registry between the years 1990 and 1999. PATIENTS: The registry contained data on 28,858 patients with CF who had been followed up over those 10 years at CF centers across the United States. RESULTS: Pneumothorax occurred with an average annual incidence of 0.64% and in 3.4% of patients overall. There was no increased occurrence by sex, but CF was more prevalent in older patients (mean [+/- SD] age, 21.9 +/- 9.1 years) with more severe pulmonary impairment (nearly 75% of patients with FEV1 of < 40% predicted). The principal risks associated with an increased occurrence of pneumothorax included the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (odds ratio [OR], 2.3), Burkholderia cepacia (OR, 1.8), or Aspergillus (OR, 1.3) in sputum cultures, FEV1 < 30% predicted (OR, 1.5), enteral feeding (OR, 1.7), Medicaid insurance (OR, 1.1), pancreatic insufficiency (OR, 1.4), allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (OR, 1.5), and massive hemoptysis (OR, 1.4). There is an increased morbidity (eg, increased number of hospitalizations and number of days spent in the hospital) and an increased 2-year mortality rate following pneumothorax. CONCLUSION: Pneumothorax is a serious complication in CF patients, occurring more commonly in older patients with more advanced lung disease. Nearly 1 in 167 patients will experience this complication each year. There is an attributable mortality to the complication and considerable morbidity, resulting in increased health-care utilization and a measurable decline in lung function.

Adolescent↗

COPD can mimic the appearance of pneumothorax on thoracic ultrasound.

PURPOSES: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in the diagnosis of pneumothorax in patients with COPD with particular regard to false-positive diagnoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, blinded study. Nine patients with pneumothorax, 9 patients with cystic fibrosis, 17 patients with COPD, and 6 control subjects were studied. Ultrasound clips were recorded at three positions in both hemithoraces of each patient and then reviewed by two observers blinded to patient status. Each clip was scored for the presence or absence of pneumothorax and the degree of observer confidence. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity for a pneumothorax were 100% and 84% for the experienced observer and 78% and 81% for the inexperienced observer, respectively. In the COPD patient group, specificity was 71% for the experienced observer and 65% for the inexperienced observer. There were no false-positive diagnoses in the cystic fibrosis or the control group. CONCLUSION: Patients with COPD commonly show signs on ultrasound mimicking a pneumothorax, but this was not seen in patients with cystic fibrosis. In patients with COPD, ultrasound may be used to exclude the presence of a pneumothorax, but it cannot be used to confidently diagnose pneumothorax without using other imaging modalities.

Adult↗

Predicting risk of pneumothorax in needle biopsy of the lung.

We prospectively studied results of 103 consecutive transthoracic needle biopsies of lung lesions suspicious for malignancy to determine if lesion size, depth within the lung, hyperinflation, second needle passes, or 100 percent oxygen breathing influenced the incidence of pneumothorax. Thirty-eight patients (37 percent) developed pneumothorax. Ten (10 percent) required tube thoracostomy for re-expansion. Five of the ten requiring the chest tube had clinically severe obstructive lung disease. In all patients, greater depth (D) in centimeters of needle penetration significantly increased the probability (p) of pneumothorax (p much less than .001) and can be estimated by the equation: (formula see text) The estimated probability of pneumothorax is 13 percent at 1 cm, 49 percent at 4 cm, and 86 percent at 7 cm. An increase in total lung capacity above predicted added additional risk of pneumothorax (p less than .02). Oxygen breathing did not significantly reduce the incidence of pneumothorax, but may reduce size by increasing the rate of reabsorption. The other factors had little influence. We conclude that the more central location of the lesion and pre-existing lung hyperinflation determine the risk of pneumothorax.

Adult↗

Detection and estimation of the volume of pneumothorax using real-time sonography: efficacy determined by receiver operating characteristic analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of real-time sonography for the detection and estimation of the volume of pneumothorax using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis in 27 patients evaluated by five radiologists using previously described sonographic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral chest sonograms were obtained in 27 patients after we performed 26 needle biopsies of the lung and two transcostal biopsies of lesions at the dome of the liver. Thirteen unilateral pneumothoraces were found on radiographs done at the time of the sonograms. The sonograms were recorded on videotape and later viewed by five blinded readers who scored each hemithorax independently as to the likelihood and size of pneumothorax. From these interpretations we were able to calculate ROC curves and standard accuracy statistics for each observer and for pooled data. The results were correlated with the findings on chest radiographs, which were used to verify the diagnoses. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curves ranged from 0.63 to 0.79 in detecting any pneumothorax. The area under the ROC curve derived by pooling readers and hemithoraces using the jackknife method was 0.73. The average sensitivity of the five observers fro pneumothorax was 73%, the specificity was 68%, and the negative and positive predictive values were 89% and 40%, respectively. No significant correlation was found between readers' estimates of pneumothorax size made on the basis of sonographic findings and actual size as ascertained from chest radiographs. CONCLUSION: Real time sonography is useful to localize known pneumothorax but cannot be used to exclude the diagnosis. Moreover, sonography has a significant false-positive rate and is of no use in estimating the volume of a pneumothorax.

Algorithms↗

Pneumothorax in dairy cattle: 30 cases (1990-2003).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the features, underlying causes, results of diagnostic testing, and treatment of pneumothorax in dairy cattle. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 30 dairy cattle. PROCEDURE: Medical records of all cattle with a diagnosis of pneumonia were reviewed. For cattle with pneumothorax, information was obtained pertaining to signalment, anamnesis, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome. Survival data were compared between cattle with pneumonia with or without pneumothorax. RESULTS: Pneumothorax was associated with bronchopneumonia in 18 cattle, interstitial pneumonia in 7 cattle, pharyngeal or laryngeal trauma in 3 cattle, and neonatal respiratory distress in 2 calves. Bovine respiratory syncytial virus was the most commonly detected infectious agent. Eighteen of 30 (60%) cattle survived; 8 were euthanatized and 4 died. Survival rate was 81% for cattle with pneumonia without pneumothorax during the same time period. Pneumothorax was a significant risk factor for failure to survive to discharge from the hospital for cattle with underlying chronic bronchopneumonia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Pneumothorax in dairy cattle appears to occur most commonly in association with chronic bronchopneumonia. Cattle of both sexes and all ages can be affected.

Animals↗

Pneumothorax in AIDS.

OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors for the development of pneumothorax in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: Of 1030 patients with AIDS who were followed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1 January 1980 and 30 September 1989, 20 (2%) developed pneumothorax that was unrelated to trauma or a pulmonary procedure. RESULTS: Of 20 patients with AIDS who presented with pneumothorax, 19 had compelling evidence of concurrent Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Using bivariate analysis, patients receiving aerosol pentamidine prophylaxis (relative risk, 17.6) and those with a history of P. carinii pneumonia (relative risk, 14.5) were more likely to develop pneumothorax. By Mantel-Haenszel stratified analysis, aerosol pentamidine use was a statistically significant risk factor independent of a history of P. carinii pneumonia. The pneumothorax-related mortality rate was 10% and there was considerable morbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AIDS at the highest risk for developing pneumothorax are those with a history of P. carinii pneumonia who are receiving aerosol pentamidine prophylaxis but who nevertheless develop P. carinii pneumonia. The benefits of aerosol pentamidine prophylaxis in these patients far outweigh this risk. Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia should be considered as the most likely diagnosis in any patient with AIDS who develops a pneumothorax.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Pneumothorax and conventional ventilation in the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax (pnth) as a form of the air-leak syndrome cannot be fully prevented during conventional and nonconventional ventilation. Therefore, all efforts targeted at elucidation, prognosis and prevention or decrease of the air-leak syndrome are important and essential. The objectives of the present study were to study the dynamics of the panel of indices based on the ventilator parameters and blood-gas analysis in newborns and premature neonates with pneumothorax treated with conventional ventilation who subsequently developed pneumothorax, to compare the results in survived with those of nonsurvived, to compare the computer models in the patients enrolled in the present study with the results presented in our previous investigations and to determine their clinical and prognostic significance for early detection of impending pneumothorax, the choice of optimal ventilatory technique, as well as their place with regard to the early and later evolution in the condition of the newborn. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 22 newborns (10 survived and 12 nonsurvived, born in term and prematurely) who had been treated with conventional ventilation and subsequently developed pneumothorax were enrolled in the present study. The primary data (clinical and laboratory-blood-gas analysis, ventilatory parameters and their derivative indices--MAP, OI, VI, a/A, VEI, AaDO2), were calculated using the Neonatal Intensive Computer File. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: We followed prospectively the dynamics of the panel of indices and compared the values and the major trends between the survived and the nonsurvived with pneumothorax as well as the computer models of the dynamics of the indices in the neonates with pneumothorax and the general pattern for the respective group as presented in our previous studies. Another important point in the comparative discussion is the significant difference in the values of R2. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The dynamics of the indices that we followed shows some characteristic findings and differences between the survived and nonsurvived newborns with pnth during the first three days following the initiation of conventional ventilation. 2. We found a significant difference in the values and dynamics of the indices between the newborns with pnth and those from the general groups. 3. Despite the fact that the predictive value of the panel of indices in newborns with pnth is lower as compared with the general groups, the interactions have important clinical implications for the management of artificial ventilation in high-risk newborns.

Humans↗

Video-assisted thoracoscopy in the management of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in the pediatric population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the application of video-assisted thoracoscopy in the management of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in the pediatric population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1995 and 1997, four patients with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax were treated. Ages varied from 14 to 17 years. There were three males and one female. Two patients had spontaneous pneumothorax twice, and the other two had it three times. Three patients had primary spontaneous pneumothorax, and the fourth one had spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to cystic fibrosis. Computerized tomography of the chest demonstrated blebs in two patients, and in the other two it was suggestive of apical blebs but not definitive. All patients had failed treatment by tube thoracostomy. Video-assisted thoracoscopy demonstrated blebs in all patients. Removal was easily accomplished with an endoscopic automatic stapling device. The procedure was completed with mechanical pleurodesis, multiple intercostal blocks and intrapleural bupivacaine for control of pain. RESULTS: All patients had a quick and uneventful recovery. Follow-up ranged from one to three years. There were no complications or subsequent recurrences of the pneumothorax. CONCLUSIONS: Video-assisted thoracoscopy is a safe and effective technique in recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. It allows for accurate identification and removal of the blebs, with quick recovery, minimal discomfort and good cosmetic results.

Adolescent↗

[Video assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of catamenial pneumothorax].

Video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was applied in 3 cases of pneumothorax combined with pathologic changes in the diaphragm (two cases of catamenial pneumothorax and one case of suspected catamenial pneumothorax). Case 1, 39-year-old woman, was preoperatively diagnosed as catamenial pneumothorax in the right lung. Thoracoscope was inserted through the 5th intercostal anterior axillary line and the lesion with the pathologic changes in the central tendon of the diaphragm was incised and sutured with Endo-GIA and Endo-STAPELAR. Case 2, 42-year-old woman, was confirmed to have pathologic changes in the central tendon after insertion of thoracoscope through the 5th intercostal anterior axillary line. Minithoracotomy of 50 mm in size was added close to the center of the diaphragm and direct incision and suture of that part were performed. Case 3, 47-year-old woman, underwent thoracoscopy through the 5th intercostal mid-axillary line and bulla in the S2 interlobar surface was incised with Endo-GIA. In this case, the diaphragm was partially incised through additional minithoracotomy because some lesions were detected on that part. VATS can fully be carried out for pathologic changes in the diaphragm in catamenial pneumothorax. Since catamenial pneumothorax may be complicated with another pathologic changes in the diaphragm (Case 1) or in the visceral pleura (Case 3), the whole thoracic cavity, including diaphragm and visceral pleura, should be carefully observed under thoracoscopy. Application of minithoracotomy-associated thoracoscopic surgery is a useful method in the case to whom catamenial pneumothorax is definite or suspected.

Adult↗

[The establishment of the styles of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax].

Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has been widely used in the treatment of a pneumothorax, but the high incidence of recurrence from spontaneous pneumothorax after VATS is an important problem. In this study, we classified the groups into two categories from the thoracoscopic observations, and discussed whether or not there was reappearance of pneumothorax. In addition, we examined whether adjunctive procedure contributes to recurrent of pneumothorax after operation or not. We concluded that there is a tendency to recurrence in the group with multiple and skip lesions in the lung, and then concluded that the cases apical covering with absorbable material sheet and the use of fibrin glue spray was thought to be effective of recurrence of pneumothorax in cases of multiple and skip lesions from the intraoperative findings through the thoracoscopes. Finally, we examined application of Foley catheter for spontaneous pneumothorax under VATS. It is possible that the application of Foley catheter to prevention against recurrence of pneumothorax is a valid method.

Adult↗

[Surgical treatment of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax: what is the optimal timing?].

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact on the outcome of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) of delaying surgery in patients with previous episodes of pneumothorax. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 57 surgical procedures for recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. The cases were grouped according to the medical history. One group comprised patients treated surgically at the first episode of contralateral pneumothorax or the second episode of ipsilateral pneumothorax. The second group comprised patients treated surgically at the third or successive episode. We compared the 2 groups as to number of thoracotomies, number of conversions from VATS to thoracotomy, presence of adhesions, and length of postoperative hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the total number of procedures, 13.9% were performed during the third or successive episode. In this group the number of pleuropulmonary adhesions and the percentage of thoracotomies (whether initially indicated or conversions from VATS) was significantly higher (P<.05). However, there was no difference between the 2 groups in length of postoperative stay. CONCLUSIONS: VATS is the technique of choice for the surgical treatment of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Such treatment should be performed at the first episode of contralateral pneumothorax or the second episode of ipsilateral pneumothorax since delayed surgery gives rise to a higher incidence of technical difficulties that entail thoracotomies.

Adolescent↗

Video-assisted thoracic surgery for spontaneous pneumothorax: outcome of 189 cases.

The crucial role of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax is well acknowledged today. Experiences of such patients undergoing VATS were reported to evaluate the feasibility of such surgical approach. From January 1, 1996 to January 1, 2002, 189 patients (18.3%) underwent VATS treatment for first onset or recurrent primary pneumothorax (n = 134), secondary pneumothorax (n = 49), and re-do VATS (n = 6) pneumothorax of 1034 VATS procedures performed by one surgeon. The surgical approaches for these patients were through scope and working ports, and in six (3.2%) of them, the procedures were converted to open thoracotomy because of pleural adhesion or other causes. Bullae over apices or other sites of lung were identified in 164 (86.8%) patients. Mechanical pleurodesis with gauze abrasion or electrocoagulation was performed on all patients, and chemical pleurodesis with minocycline intrapleural injection or talc powder poudrage was performed on 144 (76.2%) of them. The bullae was excised with endo-GIA (n = 122), endo-loop (n = 23), electroablation (n = 9), and suturing through open or endoscopic port (n = 10). The operation time ranged from 23 to 355 minutes (42.4 +/- 12.6 minutes). The mean postoperative chest tube duration and hospital stay were 2.4 +/- 1.3 (range, 1-26) and 4.3 +/- 1.2 (range, 1-35) days. Complication occurred in 15 cases (7.9%), including 9 patients with persistent air-leakage (> 7 days), 3 patients with bleeding, 6 patients with pneumonia or ventilator dependence, and 3 patients with wound infection. Recurrence occurred in six (3.2%) patients. Two patients (1.1%) died of complications related to underlying disease (severe emphysema) postoperatively. VATS treatment is a good choice for the treatment of recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. It can also be used for patients with first onset spontaneous or traumatic pneumothorax with persistent air leakage or secondary pneumothorax. We preferred bullectomy with endo-GIA because it was safer, and the specimen could possibly reveal the underlying disease.

Adolescent↗

[Treatment in patients with low traumatic pneumothorax ratio].

Thoracostomy tube placement (TT) is currently one of the most important treatment modalities used in traumatic pneumothorax patients. In patients with low pneumothorax ratio (percentage), both follow-up without surgery and employing intervention when indicated may be appropriate choice. We presented the outcome of patients with low traumatic pneumothorax ratio treated by follow up without surgical intervention in our clinic. During the period from January 2000 until January 2002, 108 patients who were treated and followed with low percentage traumatic pneumothorax in Ankara Numune Hospital Thoracic Surgery Clinic were allocated into three groups due to blunt trauma of the thorax, penetrating-cutting instrument injury and gunshot injury. All patients were admitted to the clinic with the purpose of observation without surgical intervention and chest roentgenograms were taken at the sixth and twelfth hours and daily thereafter. TT was performed for 46 (43%) patients whose pneumothorax ratio increased during the observation period. TT was more frequent in patients with 20% percentage pneumothorax (69%) as well as with two or more fractured ribs (69%). Follow-up without surgical intervention may one of the appropriate modes of treatment in patients who have minimal traumatic pneumothorax.

Adult↗

[Spontaneous pneumothorax].

Spontaneous pneumothorax comprises app. 0.1-2 % of surgical diseases. There are four subtypes; primary, secondary, catamenial and neonatal. Aetiology of primary pneumothorax is not exactly known since there is no direct relation to any basic lung disease. Nevertheless, in most patients (80-85 %), it develops due to the rupture of an emphysematous bulla or a subpleural air bubble, i.e. blebs. On the other hand, secondary pneumothorax is a result or a complication of a verified localized or general lung disorder. Catamenial pneumothorax is a recurrent lung collapse in women at the time of menstruation. Neonatal pneumothorax is found typically in immature or premature newborns, often in association with congenital lung disorders. From the pathological point of view, it is an acute disorder of distribution of blood gasses in lungs with subsequent hypoxemia, which can be identified as an acute thoracic event. The clinical picture of pulmonary collapse is characterised by a triad of symptoms++dyspnoea, pleuritic pain and dry and non-productive cough. The diagnosis is usually determined on the base of history and after a careful clinical examination. It is then verified on lung X-ray. The objective of therapy of spontaneous pneumothorax is to restore permanent lung expansion to the original extent. Conservative treatment is chosen in the first episodes of pneumothorax with small extent and without further complications or symptoms. In the rest of cases, the surgical treatment is necessary, which includes puncture of the pleural cavity, drainage and surgical revision using videothoracoscopy or thoracotomy. In general, in case of the first episode of pulmonary collapse it is recommended to perform less radical procedure, i.e. drainage of the pleural cavity. Recurrences of the disease are indicated for surgical treatment; primarily miniinvasive procedures, in which the site of air leaking from lung parenchyma is closed and also an artificial pleural symphysis is created to prevent recurrence of the collapse. This type of procedure provides best results; recurrence is not exceeding 3%.

Humans↗

[Flow chart of the diagnosis and treatment of a case of catamenial pneumothorax].

A 44-year-old female had sudden cough during menstruation. She visited a clinic and mild right pneumothorax was pointed out on chest X-ray. She was admitted to our hospital for continuous pneumothorax and tube drainage was performed. Although pneumothorax improved within a week after drainage, catamenial pneumothorax was suspected because her serum CA 125 showed a high value of 109 U/ml. Therefore diagnostic pneumoperitoneum was performed during the next menstruation, and right pneumothorax occurred. Laparoscopy revealed pelvic endometriosis and thoracoscopy revealed a few small holes in the right diaphragm. The case was diagnosed as catamenial pneumothorax and hormonal treatment was given. She had been well for one year without recurrence of pneumothorax. The authors made a flow chart for diagnosis and treatment based on this case and discussed its value in relation to cases described in the literature.

Adult↗

Pneumothorax in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Case histories of 25 consecutive patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in whom pneumothorax developed from January 1985 to the present are reviewed. Spontaneous pneumothorax developed in 10 patients. All patients had a documented pulmonary infection. Four of 10 died, either of progressive respiratory failure or of concurrent infection. Patients with asymptomatic spontaneous pneumothorax can be safely observed. Patients with symptomatic pneumothorax should initially undergo tube thoracostomy. If an air leak persists, thoracotomy, stapling of blebs, and pleurodesis can be safely performed. Because of the prevalence of bilateral disease, a median sternotomy incision is recommended. Two patients underwent surgical treatment. Diffuse bullous disease associated with infiltration of lung parenchyma by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was identified in both. Both patients survived and were discharged. Patients whose pneumothorax developed while they were undergoing mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure induced by Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia had a 92.3% mortality rate. In all patients surviving for longer than 7 days after development of the initial pneumothorax, a contralateral pneumothorax later developed. Severe concurrent disease made the patients poor operative candidates. However, in the absence of concurrent illness, if a persistent large air leak is believed to contribute significantly to respiratory failure, surgical intervention may be indicated.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗