Spontaneous pneumothorax in cocaine users

Pneumothorax is one of the respiratory toxic effects of cocaine inhalation. The literature counts several cases, some associated to other respiratory conditions such as pneumomediastinum, haemoptysis and others not requiring surgical treatment.

We present a series of nonHIV cocaine-inhaler subjects who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for isolated spontaneous pneumothorax.

Nine subjects, with a mean age of 24 ± 4 years, admitting cocaine inhalation, developed spontaneous pneumothorax and underwent 10 surgical treatments by means of VATS, at our Institution.

Previous pneumothorax occurred in six cases episodes ranged from 0 to 5 (mean 1.6 ± 1.6). Chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed abnormalities in seven cases. All subjects underwent lung apicectomy, apical pleurectomy and mechanical pleurodesis. Seven subjects had also bullectomy. In all cases the visceral pleura was partially covered by fibrinous exudate. Histology of the lung showed small foreign body granulomatous inflammation in fibrotic and/or emphysematous pulmonary parenchyma. Relapse of pneumothorax occurred in one subject at 60 days and it was surgically treated. Mean follow-up was 150 ± 38 months (range 120-239). All subjects are now well, with no evidence of pneumothorax.

Spontaneous pneumothorax in cocaine-inhaler subjects is a reality of which physicians need to be aware. Chest CT scan might not reveal abnormalities. Macroscopically the lung might presents bullae and/or peculiar visceral pleura. Foreign body granulomas observed in the specimens suggest that the particulate component of inhaled substances can injure the lung. Surgical treatment of the bullous disease and mechanical pleurodesis can provide a long-term follow-up without relapse of pneumothorax.