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Recurrent pneumothorax following abdominal paracentesis.
1Department of Medicine, Newham General Hospital, Plaistow, London, UK.
Postgraduate Medical Journal
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Abdominal paracentesis can cause pneumothorax in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma and lung disease. This rare complication may result from diaphragmatic changes after the procedure.
Area of Science:
- Medical Case Study
- Pulmonology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- A 62-year-old male patient with peritoneal mesothelioma and chronic obstructive airways disease presented with abdominal ascites.
- The patient had a history of right upper lobectomy for tuberculosis.
Observation:
- The patient developed pneumothorax within 72 hours on two separate occasions following abdominal paracentesis.
- No pleural effusion was noted initially, only abdominal ascites.
Findings:
- A previously unreported complication of abdominal paracentesis is pneumothorax.
- This complication may be linked to increased diaphragmatic excursion post-procedure.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider pneumothorax as a potential complication of abdominal paracentesis in patients with pre-existing lung conditions.
- This highlights the importance of careful patient selection and monitoring during paracentesis procedures.