Acupuncture-D" - Bilateral Pneumothoraces Following Dry Needling

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Pulmonology
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Dry needling is a common therapy for myofascial pain.
• Complications, such as pneumothorax, are rare but can be severe.

Observation:

• A 24-year-old junior doctor presented with chest pain, hemoptysis, and dyspnea after dry needling.
• Chest x-ray revealed bilateral pneumothoraces, worsening on the right side.

Findings:

• Initial conservative management with oxygen was insufficient.
• Needle aspiration of the right pneumothorax improved the patient's dyspnea.

Implications:

• Patient's low BMI and the targeted anatomical location increased risk.
• Increased awareness of dry needling complications is crucial for physicians and diagnosticians.