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Reactive eosinophilic pleuritis. A sequela of pneumothorax in pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma.

Pneumothorax is a frequent complication of pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma (EG) and can be a presenting manifestation of this disorder. Histologically the differential diagnosis of EG in patients presenting with pneumothorax includes reactive eosinophilic pleuritis (REP), a nonspecific inflammatory reaction commonly observed in association with ruptured pleural blebs. The authors present a case in which both EG and REP were found in lung tissue from a patient with recurrent pneumothorax. Immunohistochemical stains for lysozyme and S-100 protein assisted in differentiating these two lesions. Histiocytic cells in areas of EG were S-100 positive and lysozyme negative, whereas mononuclear cells in areas of REP were S-100 negative and lysozyme positive. It is emphasized that the finding of REP and pleural blebs in lung tissue from patients presenting with pneumothorax does not exclude the diagnosis of EG.

Adult↗

Reactive eosinophilic pulmonary vascular infiltration in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Prominent nonnecrotizing eosinophilic inflammation of muscular pulmonary arteries was seen in resected lung tissue from two patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. Other histologic features included reactive eosinophilic pleuritis (REP) and fibrobullous disease. Eosinophilic vascular infiltration was not contiguous to REP. In neither patient was there a specific and recognized cause of eosinophilic vasculitis. Both patients are without pulmonary symptoms 1 and 4 years after pneumothorax. Eosinophilic vascular infiltration initially suggested the diagnosis of allergic angiitis or pulmonary eosinophilic granuloma. These diagnoses were excluded by clinical and morphologic data. We subsequently reviewed 30 cases of lung tissue resected from patients with pneumothorax and found REP in 18 patients (60%) and mild pulmonary vascular and perivascular eosinophilia in five patients (17%). REP was present in all cases with eosinophilic vascular infiltration. We conclude that this eosinophilic vascular lesion is an unusual reaction in patients with REP and pneumothorax. Occasionally this lesion mimics allergic angiitis or eosinophilic granuloma. The pathogenesis is probably related to vascular transport of eosinophils to the injured pleural surface.

Adult↗

Elevation of pulmonary artery pressure as a sign of pulmonary barotrauma (pneumothorax).

Pneumothorax occurs in approximately 25% of patients maintained on high levels of positive end-expiratory pressure. In several cases at our Institution, a sudden and rapid elevation in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) monitored by use of the Swan-Ganz catheter accompanied the development of a pneumothorax. In the three cases described, the change in PAP was observed before a pneumothorax became otherwise clinically evident. Two of the three patients had marked restrictive lung disease associated with the adult respiratory distress syndrome and the third patient had large bilateral pleural effusions. It is postulated that the rise in PAP was related to a sudden decrease in the size of an already compromised pulmonary arterial vascular bed produced by hypoxic vasoconstriction and mechanical compression secondary to the pneumothorax. In the ICU, elevation of PAP may be a useful and early indicator of pulmonary barotrauma.

Adult↗

Usefulness of computed tomography-guided transthoracic small-bore coaxial core biopsy in the presence of a pneumothorax.

Transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) is usually avoided in the presence of pneumothorax. The authors performed computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic core biopsy in the presence of pneumothorax in 13 patients (4.9%) selected from 265 patients who received CT-guided TNB over 4 years. These iatrogenic pneumothoraces were induced by previous ultrasound (US)-guided TNB (n = 5), transbronchial lung biopsy (n = 4), and CT-guided biopsy (n = 4). The time interval between previous thoracic intervention and CT-guided TNB ranged from 0 hours to 9 days after transbronchial lung biopsy (average, 4 days). A diagnostic core biopsy was performed in 12 of the 13 patients. Seven lesions proved to be malignant and five were benign. Failure of CT-guided transthoracic core biopsy occurred in a single patient with a previous US-guided biopsy within 24 hours. This patients demonstrated a progressively enlarging pneumothorax and was treated with air aspiration with CT guidance. A successful second biopsy was performed 7 days later after full expansion of the lung. There were no complications related to the procedures. The authors' experience suggests that CT-guided transthoracic core biopsy using small-bore coaxial technique can be safely performed with high-diagnostic yield in patients with stable iatrogenic pneumothorax.

Adult↗

Electrocardiographic changes with right-sided pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax is a well-known complication of central line placement in the intensive care unit. Other causes include spontaneous pneumothorax, trauma, and infection. Most frequently, dyspnea or respiratory decompensation raises suspicion for pneumothorax, especially after central line placement. The diagnosis is confirmed by physical examination and chest radiography. We present five cases of right-sided pneumothorax in which electrocardiographic findings resolved with reexpansion of the lung. A new finding is reported in two cases.

Adult↗

Sports-related pneumothorax in children.

Pneumothorax after blunt chest trauma in the absence of rib fractures is uncommon and has only rarely been reported as a result of sporting activity. Presentation may vary from an apparently normal physical examination in the presence of a small pneumothorax to hemodynamic compromise in the presence of a tension pneumothorax. High fitness levels in athletes may result in failure to recognize symptoms and delay diagnosis, potentially increasing morbidity. It is imperative for the emergency physician to exclude pneumothorax in children who present with chest pain after blunt chest trauma from sports injury. We report our experience with and the management of 3 patients with pneumothoraces.

Adolescent↗

Spontaneous resolution of massive right-sided pneumothorax occurring during laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Pneumothorax is a rare but potentially serious complication that can occur during laparoscopic surgery. We describe a case of a spontaneous massive right-sided pneumothorax that occurred during laparoscopic cholecystectomy, presumably because of escape of intraperitoneal carbon dioxide under pressure into the pleural cavity through a congenital defect in the diaphragm. During the procedure, arterial oxygen saturation decreased and clinical examination revealed signs of a right-sided pneumothorax. This was confirmed on chest x-ray in the immediate postoperative period. Since the patient was clinically stable without any signs of respiratory distress, a conservative approach was adopted. The patient remained on close clinical observation and continuous monitoring of arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and repeat chest x-rays and had an uneventful recovery with complete resolution of the pneumothorax 3 hours after surgery and without the need for thoracic aspiration or tube thoracostomy.

Adult↗

Prevalence of tension pneumothorax in fatally wounded combat casualties.

BACKGROUND: Tension pneumothorax is a potential cause of death in victims of penetrating chest trauma, but little is known about its actual prevalence. METHODS: Data that are part of the Vietnam Wound Data and Munitions Effectiveness Team study were analyzed to address this question. Radiographs of 978 casualties were examined for evidence of tension pneumothorax using standard radiologic criteria such as pleural separation, displacement of the mediastinum and diaphragm, trachea deviation, and compression of the contralateral lung. RESULTS: Some or all of the radiographic changes were found in 198 casualties. Autopsy evidence indicated that 79 of these casualties died solely due to a chest wound. The fatal chest injury involved only the lungs in 55 casualties and caused a tension pneumothorax in 26. Fifteen of the 26 lived long enough to receive first aid from a medic or corpsman. CONCLUSION: Tension pneumothorax was the cause of death in 3 to 4% of fatally wounded combat casualties. Some may be temporarily helped by battlefield thoracentesis.

Air Pressure↗

Pneumothorax: treatment by small-lumen catheter aspiration.

To assess the efficacy of simple aspiration as a treatment for pneumothorax, 40 consecutive pneumothoraces (28 spontaneous, 12 iatrogenic, all estimated at greater than or equal to 20% collapse on visual inspection of the chest X-ray) in 38 symptomatic patients were treated initially by small-lumen catheter (SLC) aspiration. SLC aspiration avoided the need for large-lumen intercostal catheter (LIC) underwater drainage in 28 cases (70%)--20 of 28 spontaneous and eight of 12 iatrogenic pneumothoraces. Outcome was not predicted by clinical variables or pneumothorax size, whereas an initial aspirate volume of less than or equal to 4 L (n = 33) was predictable of success in 28 cases (85%). Minor local subcutaneous emphysema and vasovagal reactions were encountered infrequently but with similar frequency to LIC drainage. No episodes of re-expansion pulmonary oedema occurred. The results confirm previous reports of the efficacy of simple aspiration as a treatment for spontaneous or iatrogenic pneumothorax. Initial treatment by SLC aspiration is recommended for all but life-threatening presentations of pneumothorax. Although not encountered in this study, the potential risk of re-expansion pulmonary oedema suggests that patients should be observed closely for four hours after aspiration.

Adolescent↗

The effects of pneumothorax on defibrillation thresholds during pectoral implantation of an active can implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Pneumothorax has previously been reported to increase defibrillation thresholds and lead impedance in monophasic systems. This article demonstrates a case using an active can system in which the lead impedance between the right ventricular defibrillation coil and the device improved from 70 omega with pneumothorax to 48 omega after resolution. The defibrillation threshold also improved from > 30 J to < or = 10 J after the pneumothorax had resolved. We conclude that acute pneumothorax can increase the transthoracic lead impedance and defibrillation thresholds; however, with resolution both parameters can return to acceptable levels with an active can system.

Aged↗

Pneumothorax: an unusual cause of ICD defibrillation failure.

We describe two patients with defibrillation failure of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) resulting from large left pneumothoraxes following subclavian vein puncture during the implantation. Following pneumothorax drainage, low defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) were attained without further manipulations. The absence of other signs and symptoms of pneumothorax and the presence of satisfactory pacing function during the procedure, resulted in a significant delay in diagnosis. Pneumothorax should be included in the differential diagnosis when unexpected high DFTs are found during ICD implantation or predischarge testing. This complication is avoidable by a different surgical approach, cephalic vein cutdown.

Aged↗

Tension pneumothorax complicating diagnostic upper endoscopy: a case report.

Hypoxemia is common during various endoscopic procedures and may result from a variety of causes. These causes range from benign and otherwise easily reversible events like oversedation to potentially life threatening complications such as pneumothorax. Although pneumothorax has been reported secondary to gastrointestinal perforation as a complication of various therapeutic endoscopic procedures, there has been no report of pneumothorax without perforation. We report a case of a patient who developed severe hypoxemia and hemodynamic instability during diagnostic upper endoscopy as a result of pneumomediastinum and tension pneumothorax in the absence of any signs of gastrointestinal perforation and comment on various possible mechanisms. Immediate endotracheal intubation and bilateral chest tube placement resulted in prompt return of the patient's oxygenation and vital signs back to normal. This report enlarges the list of possible causes of hypoxemia during endoscopy and shows the importance of early and prompt recognition, which allowed directed therapy with a good outcome.

Aged↗

Catheter drainage of pleural fluid collections and pneumothorax.

A technique for virtually atraumatic placement of small size chest catheters for suction drainage of pleural effusions and pneumothorax in the dog and cat is described. Thirty-nine dogs and two cats were treated for pyothorax (10 cases), hydrothorax (eight), chylothorax (three), haemothorax (three), haemothorax/ pneumothorax (three) and pneumothorax (14). In all 41 cases, thin or viscous fluid and/or air were efficiently drained. The mean period of drainage was four days (range, 0.5 to 18 days). The average amount of fluid removed from each patient in 24 hours was 530 ml in pyothorax cases (range, 140 to 1100 ml) and 1300 ml in the other cases (range, 20 to 5000 ml). In 40 cases there were no complications related to the procedure. One dog with severe pleural adhesions was euthanased because of lung perforation and pneumothorax secondary to misplacement of the catheter.

Animals↗

Case report of tension pneumothorax related to acupuncture.

Although recent prospective studies came to the conclusion that the incidence of adverse events following acupuncture can be classified as minimal, many cases of acupuncture-related pneumothorax have been published over the years, among them some cases of tension pneumothorax. In this case, a slender woman received acupuncture from a fully trained medical acupuncturist including needling of the points LU1 in the subacromial region and BL13, which is a paravertebral point at the level of the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra. During the final treatment, she experienced difficulties in breathing and pain in the left chest. On x ray examination a tension pneumothorax was diagnosed. Even though pneumothorax is the most frequently reported serious complication related to acupuncture, it is not an inevitable complication of acupuncture, and in most cases involves negligence from inadequate consideration of basic anatomy.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Video assisted thoracic surgery for treatment of pneumothorax and lung resections: systematic review of randomised clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if video assisted thoracic surgery is associated with better clinical outcomes than thoracotomy for three common procedures: surgery for pneumothorax, minor resections, and lobectomy. DESIGN: Systematic review of randomised clinical trials. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Cochrane controlled trials register. Reference lists of relevant articles and reviews. METHODS: Criteria for inclusion were random allocation of patients and no concurrent use of another experimental medication or device. At least two authors performed and confirmed data abstraction and analyses. Information on quality of trials, demographics, frequency of the events, and numbers randomised were collected. RESULTS: 12 trials randomised 670 patients. Video assisted thoracic surgery was associated with shorter length of stay (reduction ranged from 1.0 to 4.2 days) and less pain or use of pain medication than thoracotomy in the five out of seven trials in which the technique was used for pneumothorax or minor lung resection. In the treatment of pneumothorax, video assisted thoracic surgery was associated with substantially fewer recurrences than pleural drainage in two trials (from 20 to 53 events prevented per 100 treated patients). No substantial advantages were observed for video assisted thoracic surgery in lobectomies. CONCLUSIONS: Video assisted thoracic surgery is associated with better outcomes and seems to have a complication profile comparable with that of thoracotomy for the treatment of pneumothorax and minor resections. As for lobectomy, further studies are needed to determine how it compares with thoracotomy.

Drainage↗

Spontaneous pneumothorax: is it under tension?

A diagnosis of tension pneumothorax is usually only considered within the context of trauma, incorrect chest drain insertion or positive pressure ventilation. Four patients are presented who developed spontaneous tension pneumothorax with no precipitating factors. In three of these instances, the diagnosis was only made radiologically and in every case the treating physician was unaware that a spontaneous tension pneumothorax could occur. Previously, emphasis has been placed on tracheal deviation in a tension pneumothorax. However, this is an inconsistent finding as one of the cases highlights. Patients may appear surprisingly clinically well until they decompensate. These cases are highlighted to raise awareness of this potentially life threatening condition.

Adult↗

Indicators of haemothorax in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.

OBJECTIVES: To identify indicators and possible risk factors of haemothorax in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax. METHODS: All patients presenting to the emergency department of Chi-Mei Foundation Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan with primary spontaneous pneumothorax between 1 January 1997 and 31 December 2002 were screened for inclusion in the present study. Of the 211 patients who qualified, eight had spontaneous haemopneumothorax (SHP) (3.79%). The clinical data and demographic characteristics of these patients were similar to those of patients with spontaneous pneumothorax without haemothorax (SP). RESULTS: All eight SHP patients were thin and young men (mean age 24 years and mean weight 56.1 kg). Seven were smokers. The patients with SHP were taller that the patients with SP (177.4 cm v 170.3 cm, respectively; p < 0.01), and tended to have a lower body mass index (BMI) (17.9 kg/m2 v 19.6 kg/m2, respectively; p = 0.06) and higher heart rate (101.0 v 88.0 beats/min, respectively; p = 0.09). Clinically, patients with SHP were more likely to have dyspnoea compared with SP patients (62.5% v 26.6%, respectively; p = 0.04) and lower levels of haemoglobin (12.8 v 14.7 g/dl, respectively; p = 0.01) and haematocrit (38.1% v 44.1%, respectively; p < 0.01). Chest x rays revealed pleural effusion in all patients with SHP but in none with SP. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SHP are taller, with lower levels of haemoglobin and haematocrit, and are more likely to have dyspnoea than patients without haemothorax. The chest x ray finding of pneumothorax with an ipsilateral air-fluid level is a strong indicator of SHP.

Adult↗

Events before the diagnosis of a pneumothorax in ventilated neonates.

AIM: To examine the relation of overventilation and other clinical events to the development of pneumothoraces in ventilated neonates. METHODS: A case-control study. RESULTS: Fifty three (8.7%) of 606 ventilated neonates developed a pneumothorax. Eighteen (34%) cases and 23 (43%) controls were unintentionally overventilated (PaCO(2) < 4 kPa) at some time before the pneumothorax developed in the cases (odds ratio (OR) = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 1.27). In the three hours before the diagnosis of pneumothorax, more cases than controls were reintubated (21/53 v 4/53; OR = 5.25, 95% CI 1.9 to 14.3), and also in seven cases (one control) the mean airway pressure was increased, whereas in nine controls (no cases) it was reduced (chi(2) = 12.0, df = 2, p = 0.001). Seven of 18 neonates diagnosed by transillumination had undergone no clinical procedures before diagnosis compared with five of 35 diagnosed radiologically (OR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.0 to 7.4). CONCLUSIONS: Unintentional overventilation was not associated with pneumothoraces. In the hours before diagnosis, there was increased clinical intervention, including reintubation; this was less so in those diagnosed by transillumination. The study did not elucidate whether such interventions caused the pneumothorax or were secondary to a failure to diagnose it.

Case-Control Studies↗