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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
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International Expert Consensus and Recommendations for Neonatal Pneumothorax Ultrasound Diagnosis and Ultrasound-guided Thoracentesis Procedure
Published on: March 12, 2020
Bilateral pneumothorax after unilateral transthoracic puncture
Hidekazu Yamaura1, Yoshitaka Inaba, Yozo Sato
1Department of Interventional and Diagnostic Radiology, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, 1-1 Kanokoden, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8681, Japan. h-yamau@aichi-cc.jp
Summary
Bilateral pneumothorax after a unilateral thoracic procedure is rare but can necessitate emergency chest tube insertion. This summary details two such cases, highlighting a rare but serious complication of thoracic interventions.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Interventional Procedures
Background:
- Pneumothorax is a recognized complication of transthoracic interventional procedures.
- Typically, pneumothorax occurs unilaterally, affecting the side of the intervention.
Observation:
- This report details two rare cases of bilateral pneumothorax.
- Bilateral pneumothorax developed subsequent to a unilateral thoracic puncture.
Findings:
- The occurrence of bilateral pneumothorax following a unilateral thoracic puncture is uncommon.
- This condition may require emergent chest tube insertion for management.
- One patient had a history of esophageal resection; the other had no prior thoracic surgery.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider the possibility of bilateral pneumothorax even after unilateral thoracic procedures.
- Prompt recognition and intervention are crucial for managing this rare complication.
- Understanding patient history, such as prior thoracic surgery, may be relevant in assessing risk.
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Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
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Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History: