Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces in a patient with occupational asthma

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumothoraces are relatively common; however, simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces (SBSP) have rarely been reported. This case report describes the presentation of SBSP in a 60-year-old man with occupational asthma. He was initially started on treatment for life-threatening asthma, but an early deterioration in symptoms prompted an urgent chest radiography that established the diagnosis of bilateral pneumothoraces. This was managed with bilateral needle thoracocentesis followed by stabilisation with intercostal chest drains. He was subsequently referred to the thoracic unit for minithoracotomy, bullectomy and talc pleurodesis. This case highlights the potential difficulties in diagnosing SBSP and advocates the necessity for prompt chest radiography when managing such presentations in the acute setting.

Analysis of the patients with simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax

“…In a case report, Karapolat et al 18 performed early surgery due to recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to lymphangioleiomyomatosis and found no recurrence within the two-year follow-up. In another report, Chau et al 19 presented their approach for SBSSP occurred in a patient with asthma. In addition to the case reports, there is a study conducted by Sayar et al 2 and studies by IGraf-Deuel et al 3 as SBSSP series.…”

Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema: serious complications of asthma

“…cystic ibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. Simultaneous spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax has been described in patients with asthmatic exacerbations [2]. The symptoms of simultaneous spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax are dyspnoea and pleuritic pain that may be extremely severe and disproportionate to the extent of pneumothorax.…”