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Cough-induced bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax.
Hanghang Wang1, William C Nugent
1Dartmouth Medical School, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|September 28, 2010
Summary
A severe coughing fit caused a healthy man to develop spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema. This rare condition typically resolves with non-surgical treatment and full recovery.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema are rare conditions.
- These conditions can be triggered by forceful actions such as coughing.
Observation:
- A previously healthy male presented with a constellation of spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema.
- The onset of symptoms was directly linked to a severe coughing episode.
Findings:
- The patient's condition, though rare, was successfully managed without surgical intervention.
- Complete recovery was achieved through conservative treatment methods.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for severe thoracic complications from forceful coughing.
- Non-surgical management appears to be a viable and effective approach for these rare presentations.
- Early recognition and conservative treatment can lead to favorable outcomes in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax and related conditions.
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