Spontaneous pneumothorax complicating lung emphysema. So, what's the catch?

  • Stylianos Mavridis
  • Hans-Georg Gnauk
  • Martina Schumacher
  • Roland H. Wagner
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13181/mji.v22i1.514
Keywords: Emphysema, lung cancer, pneumothorax
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Abstract

Spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to lung carcinoma is very rare (0.05% of all pneumothoraces). We report a case of a 66-year-old male with persistent right-sided spontaneous pneumothorax, initially suspected as secondary to bullous emphysema. Intraoperative findings consisted of an apical bulla with a nonspecific carnification at its base and a bulla at the lower lobe. Surprisingly, histological examination revealed an undefined non-small cell carcinoma. Although spontaneous pneumothorax associated with lung carcinoma is rare, suspicion for malignancy should be raised in patients over 40 presenting with spontaneous pneumothorax, especially in high risk patients such as smokers or patients with chronic bronchitis or emphysema. (Med J Indones. 2013;22:54-6)

Keywords: Emphysema, lung cancer, pneumothorax

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Published
2013-02-01
How to Cite
1.
Mavridis S, Gnauk H-G, Schumacher M, Wagner RH. Spontaneous pneumothorax complicating lung emphysema. So, what’s the catch?. Med J Indones [Internet]. 2013Feb.1 [cited 2024Apr.19];22(1):54-6. Available from: http://mji.ui.ac.id/journal/index.php/mji/article/view/514
Issue
Vol. 22 No. 1 (2013): February
Section
Case Report/Series

Copyright (c) 2013 Stylianos Mavridis, Hans-Georg Gnauk, Martina Schumacher, Roland H. Wagner

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