Bilateral tension pneumothorax after acupuncture

Area of Science:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Medical Complications
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Acupuncture, an ancient traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used globally as a complementary therapy.
• Despite its popularity, serious adverse events, including potentially fatal complications, have been documented.
• Awareness of acupuncture-related risks remains low among both healthcare providers and patients.

Observation:

• A 63-year-old female presented with acute shortness of breath two hours post-acupuncture.
• Physical examination revealed absent breath sounds in the left lung and diminished sounds in the right, indicating type 1 respiratory failure.
• Urgent chest radiography confirmed bilateral pneumothorax, with tension pneumothorax and mediastinal shift on the left.

Findings:

• The patient underwent bilateral chest tube insertion following failed needle aspiration attempts.
• The pneumothoraces resolved, and the patient was discharged in stable condition.
• This case highlights acupuncture as a cause of bilateral pneumothoraces, a curable but potentially life-threatening complication.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of recognizing and managing rare but severe acupuncture-induced complications.
• Increased physician and patient awareness regarding the risks associated with acupuncture is essential.
• Prompt diagnosis and intervention are critical for favorable outcomes in cases of acupuncture-related pneumothorax.