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Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
[Clinical features of secondary spontaneous pneumothorax in interstitial pneumonia]
Yukihisa Inoue1, Masashi Furuiye, Hiroshi Ono
1Department of Integrated Pulmonology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
Abstract:
Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is a critical event in the clinical course of interstitial pneumonia. To investigate its clinical features, we retrospectively reviewed 21 cases (13 men and 8 women, age range 43 to 75, mean age 64.5) of interstitial pneumonia accompanied with pneumothorax, including 14 cases with chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, 4 cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, and 3 cases of other etiology of interstitial pneumonia. The mean vital capacity percentage (VC) was 56%, and percentage of diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) was 46%. Fourteen cases (67%) were treated with steroids and eight cases (38%) were complicated by Aspergillus infection. The median survival time (MST) from the onset of pneumothorax was 214 days. The dosage of steroids and the frequency of Aspergillus infection were significantly higher in patients whose pneumothorax did not improve than in those whose pneumothorax improved. In conclusion, steroids and Aspergillus infection seem to be associated with the development of pneumothorax and poor outcome in interstitial pneumonia.
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