Spontaneous pneumothorax in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis

The prevalence of spontaneous pneumothorax was studied in 82 patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. In 46 patients the disease affected only the lung ('lone' fibrosing alveolitis); in the remaining 36 patients the interstitial lung disease was associated with several systemic diseases ('associated' fibrosing alveolitis). 3 patients with the 'lone' form had a spontaneous pneumothorax. This figure represents a prevalence of 3.6%. We did not observe this complication in any patient with the associated form. Suction drainage was ineffective in the 3 patients. One of them died as a consequence of pleural infection. In the other 2 subjects thoracotomy, resection of blebs and pleurectomy were required.