Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Spontaneous pneumothorax in flight as first manifestation of alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
Yi-Chang Lin1, Wen-Kuan Chiu, Hung Chang
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Abstract:
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a genetic condition that increases the risk of a variety of conditions including pulmonary emphysema and chronic liver disease. We report on a 33-yr-old male fighter pilot with early-onset pulmonary emphysema with bullae who developed spontaneous pneumothorax during in-flight combat training. A CT scan of his chest after removal of the chest tube showed multiple variably sized bullae and pulmonary cysts scattered throughout both lungs. Serum levels of alpha-1 antitrypsin were markedly decreased. Genetic analyses showed a PI ZZ genotype. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency often goes undiagnosed by flight surgeons, which is a risk to flight safety.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-I
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction
Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology

