Bilateral pneumothorax following acupuncture
Masahiro Kashiura1, Hideto Yasuda1, Takashi Moriya1
1Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, 1-847 Amanuma-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama 330-8503, Japan.
Oxford Medical Case Reports
|April 29, 2025
Summary
Acupuncture treatment for dizziness led to bilateral pneumothorax, a serious lung complication. Prompt chest drainage resolved the condition, highlighting a rare but significant risk associated with acupuncture.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy used for various conditions.
- Complications from acupuncture, though rare, can be serious.
- Pneumothorax is a potential adverse event following acupuncture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of bilateral pneumothorax after acupuncture.
- To discuss the clinical presentation and management of this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- A 57-year-old female received acupuncture for dizziness.
- She presented with dyspnea and cough post-procedure.
- Diagnostic imaging confirmed bilateral pneumothorax.
Main Results:
- Computed tomography revealed bilateral pneumothorax with subcutaneous emphysema.
- Bilateral chest drains were inserted for treatment.
- The patient showed rapid improvement and was discharged after drain removal.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture, particularly on the back and posterior neck, carries a risk of pneumothorax.
- Early diagnosis and intervention with chest drains are crucial for managing acupuncture-induced pneumothorax.
- Clinicians should be aware of this rare but potentially severe adverse event.
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