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Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Spontaneous pneumothorax from cryptococcal pneumonia in systemic sclerosis: a case report
Kwanreuthai Sripavatakul1, Chingching Foocharoen
1Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, 40002, Thailand. fching@kku.ac.th.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|July 15, 2011
Summary
Spontaneous pneumothorax in systemic sclerosis patients can be triggered by infections like cryptococcal pneumonia, even with minimal lung emphysema. Early detection of pleural fluid is crucial for diagnosing underlying pulmonary infections.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Spontaneous pneumothorax is common in systemic sclerosis with extensive pulmonary fibrosis and sub-pleural blebs.
- This case highlights pneumothorax in systemic sclerosis with minimal sub-pleural emphysema.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by cryptococcal pneumonia in a patient with systemic sclerosis.
- To emphasize the role of infection in triggering pneumothorax in these patients.
Main Methods:
- Case presentation of a 49-year-old Thai man with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
- Diagnostic methods included chest radiography, pleural fluid analysis, and cryptococcal antigen testing.
- Treatment involved intercostal drainage and antifungal therapy.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with fever, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain.
- Chest radiograph showed right pneumothorax with cloudy pleural fluid.
- Cryptococcal pneumonia was confirmed, and symptoms improved with treatment.
Conclusions:
- Infections can precipitate spontaneous pneumothorax in systemic sclerosis patients with sub-pleural emphysema.
- Pleural fluid can indicate a pre-existing pulmonary infection, even if initially obscured by pneumothorax.
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