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Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research

October, 2020, Volume 30, 5, pp 23786-23788

Case Report

Case Report

Invisible or Spontaneous Pneumothorax: An Unusual Presentation

Hassan Mumtaz1*, Kaynat Mustafa2, Komal Safdar2, Fatima Meer3, Tehreem Fatima4 and Muhammad Ahsan Shafiq5

Author Affiliations

1House Surgeon, KRL Hospital Islamabad, Former House Physician, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Guys& St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust, UK

2House Physician, Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital Islamabad

3House Surgeon, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi

4House Surgeon, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi CIBNP, Fairfield USA

5Resident Physician Internal Medicine, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi CIBNP, Fairfield USA

Received: September 24, 2020 | Published: October 02, 2020

Corresponding author: Hassan Mumtaz, House Surgeon, KRL Hospital Islamabad, Former House Physician, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust, UK

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.30.005022

Abstract

Pneumothorax is a frequent, life-threatening complication, specifically in critically ill patients.In this report, we describe two unusual cases, in which one of them presented in the emergency department while the other came in the outdoor department. Case 1 was diagnosed as having Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax, while in case 2 had a pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary edema. We discuss the clinical presentation, risk factors, and therapeutic options.Physicians should always have a low threshold for the diagnosis and regularly followup patients to prevent spontaneous pneumothorax

Introduction

Pneumothorax is a frequent, life-threatening complication, specifically in critically ill patients. Occult pneumothorax has been defined as pneumothoraces seen on CT scans or chest ultrasound but not on routine chest radiographs and may rapidly progress to tension pneumothorax. The phenomenon of occult pneumothorax is well described in the literature with an incidence of between 2 and 12% in medical and trauma patients [1]. Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SP) is a rare disorder that historically affects approximately 0.5–11.6% of patients [2]. Non-traumatic Pneumothorax is 30 times more common in men than in women, and the gender difference is considerably larger [3]. Primary SP (PSP) occurs in a previously healthy patient without underlying chronic lung disease or provoking factors, such as trauma, surgery, or diagnostic intervention, while secondary SP is associated with parenchymal lung disease, such as pulmonary fibrosis or emphysema [4].

In this report, we describe two unusual cases, in which one of them presented in the emergency department while the other came in the outdoor department. Case 1 was diagnosed as having Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax, while in case 2 had a pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary edema. We discuss the clinical presentation, risk factors, and therapeutic options.

Case No.1

A 32-year-old male presented to OPD of Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi with asymptomatic left sided Hemo-Pneumothorax which was diagnosed during routine occupational checkup. He had no complaints of shortness of breath or chest pain but there was a history of high-grade fever, which was on and off for 2 months, relieved by panadol. It is to be noted that there was history of similar iatrogenic pneumothorax a year ago which was treated with chest intubation for 6 days. Chest tube was removed after complete resolution of pneumothorax.On examination respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute was noted. Palpation revealed bilateral equal chest expansion. On percussion a slightly dull note was noted on left lower lung and auscultation revealed a decreased air entry in left lower lung field. Chest X-ray showed left sided hydro pneumothorax with pleural effusion. Chest intubation was done, and patient was managed conservatively. However, he did not improve even after 10 days of chest intubation. He developed intermittent fever and became tachypnic. Therefore, thoracotomy and decortication was done. Per-op findings were Left sided fibro-thorax and thickened parietal and visceral pleura(Figure 1).

Figure 1: showing a shrunken left lung.

During surgery left lung was inflated and lung expansion was observed.Pleural tissue biopsy reported acute chronic inflammation with formation of granulation tissue.Unfortunately patient’s post -op xray showed collapsed left lung. Ultrasound done on 6th post-op day indicated infected fluid collection in left pleural cavity representing left sided moderate empyma. No improvement was observed on conservative management . Rethoracotomy and pleural wash was done at 25th post-op day. Perop findings revelaed clots in left pleural cavity, which were removed and decortication was done. Pleural cavity was washed with 10L normal saline. Chest tubes were placed anterior and posterior to lung. Thick piece of cortex around lung was sent for biospy which was consistent with empyma thoracis, however it was negative for granulomatous inflammation or malignancy. Post-op xray showed normally expanded left lung. The patient recovered well and was discharged.

Case No. 2

A 81 year old man presented into the emergency department of KRL Hospital Islamabad with shortness of breath and Acute Kidney Injury.According to patient’s attendant he was in unusual state of health when he developed mild burning micturition along with low grade fever which was relieved by panadol. He had shortness of breath from 02 years which progressed from MMRC grade 2 to grade 4. He also had an history of Hypertension, Ischemic Heart Disease having an Ejection Fraction 25%, along with pulmonary edema.Initially patient was maintaining O2 stats at room air but then started on O2 therapy and later on shifted to nasal cannula. He was well oriented in time and space but then he became critically ill due to multi organ involvement. He was confused, tachypnic and not following any commands(Figure 2). His blood pressure was 168/98 mm Hg where as blood sugar random measured was 140 mg/dl/. ECG showed hyper acute t wave along with prolonged PR interval. Chest examination revealed bilateral creptsupto 2/3rd of chest with mild wheeze. Ultrasound abdomen had a bilateral echogenic kidney, mild hydronephrosis along with mild intrahepatic cholestasis. Chest x-ray revealed bilateral infiltrates reticular in base and periphery along with central consolidation giving an impression of Right Pneumothorax Table 1. Since his pneumothorax was less than 30%, he was kept under observation and managed conservatively. His current line of treatment was meropenem, azithromycin, carvedilol, asprin, steroids along side with nebulization of Atem and Clenil.

Figure 2: Showing Right Pneumothorax.

Table 1: ECG showed hyper acute t wave along with prolonged PR interval.

Chest examination revealed bilateral creptsupto 2/3rd of chest with mild wheeze. Ultrasound abdomen had a bilateral echogenic kidney, mild hydronephrosis along with mild intrahepatic cholestasis

Discussion

Spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient who had no underlying medical condition is called Bilateral primary spontaneous pneumothorax (BPSP). Even though the definite mechanism is still not clear, rupture of the blebs in the lung is the most commonly known cause of the BPSP [5].Among these patients, some would present as Bilateral Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax, a rare presentation with limited data on incidence and prognosis. Some of the following characteristics may be seen in patients with BPSP:the patients tend to be younger, with low body mass index, the patients may have a previous history of spontaneous unilateral pneumothorax, and the size of pneumothorax is usually small [6- 7]. In contrast, the patient in our case no 1, presented without any underlying disease.Approximately 58% and 68% of patients with Bilateral Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (BSSP), as in our case no 2 had causative underlying lung disease, which can include pulmonary metastases, tuberculosis, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, histiocytosis X, and COPD [5,8]. Most recur within approximately 6–12 months after the first episode [3,4].

There are no specific guidelines for the management of Spontaneous Hemo Pneumothorax (SHP). The clinical features in SHP are dramatic and depend on the volume of blood loss and the amount of air leakage [8,9]. SHP can be life-threatening, and aggressive management is required. When SHP becomes lifethreatening because of substantial bleeding, the early insertion of two large bore chest drains to evacuate the accumulated blood and air is recommended to permit the re-expansion of the lung , as done in our case no 1, which can result in hemostasis by compressing the bleeding vessels against the parietal pleura [9].Surgical strategies for the management of PSP include open thoracotomy as done in our case no.1 and pleurectomy or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with pleurectomy and pleural abrasion. An open approach offers lower recurrence rates, while a less invasive approach with VATS has the advantages of less postoperative pain, improved pulmonary function, and a decreased length of hospital stay [10-11].

Conclusion

Spontaneous pneumothorax may rapidly progress to a fatal tension pneumothorax if left untreated. Thus, physicians should always have a low threshold for this diagnosis and work-up for this condition. In patients who have recovered from pneumothorax should be regularly followed up to prevent primary spontaneous pneumothorax. Similarly, patients having underlying diseases should be advised to consult experts to prevent the development of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

References

Case Report

Invisible or Spontaneous Pneumothorax: An Unusual Presentation

Hassan Mumtaz1*, Kaynat Mustafa2, Komal Safdar2, Fatima Meer3, Tehreem Fatima4 and Muhammad Ahsan Shafiq5

Author Affiliations

1House Surgeon, KRL Hospital Islamabad, Former House Physician, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Guys& St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust, UK

2House Physician, Dr Akbar Niazi Teaching Hospital Islamabad

3House Surgeon, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi

4House Surgeon, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi CIBNP, Fairfield USA

5Resident Physician Internal Medicine, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi CIBNP, Fairfield USA

Received: September 24, 2020 | Published: October 02, 2020

Corresponding author: Hassan Mumtaz, House Surgeon, KRL Hospital Islamabad, Former House Physician, Holy Family Hospital Rawalpindi, Guys & St Thomas Hospital NHS Trust, UK

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2020.30.005022

Abstract

Pneumothorax is a frequent, life-threatening complication, specifically in critically ill patients.In this report, we describe two unusual cases, in which one of them presented in the emergency department while the other came in the outdoor department. Case 1 was diagnosed as having Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax, while in case 2 had a pneumothorax secondary to pulmonary edema. We discuss the clinical presentation, risk factors, and therapeutic options.Physicians should always have a low threshold for the diagnosis and regularly followup patients to prevent spontaneous pneumothorax