Congenital Pleuro-Pleural Communication Presenting as a Simultaneous Bilateral Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Case
Reo Ohtsuka1, Tadasu Kohno1, Sho Horiuchi1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, New Tokyo Hospital, Matsudo, Chiba, Japan.
Asian Journal of Endoscopic Surgery
|May 9, 2025
Summary
Congenital pleuro-pleural communication, a rare cause of bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax, was identified in a teenage girl. This finding highlights the importance of considering this condition in similar undiagnosed cases.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax is uncommon, typically linked to lung disease or prior thoracic surgery.
- Congenital pleuro-pleural communication is an exceedingly rare etiology for this condition.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old female presented with bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed an unexpected congenital pleuro-pleural communication.
- Retrospective CT analysis suggested a potential communication between the esophagus and aorta.
Findings:
- The congenital pleuro-pleural communication was not surgically closed due to technical difficulties.
- The patient experienced an uneventful postoperative recovery.
- No recurrence of pneumothorax was observed at 6-month follow-up.
Implications:
- This case underscores the necessity of suspecting congenital pleuro-pleural communication in bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax, especially without preceding thoracic interventions or bilateral bullae.
- It suggests a need for advanced imaging interpretation in diagnosing rare causes of pneumothorax.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Pneumothorax-II
106
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
106
01:26Pneumothorax-I
157
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
157
01:13Pleura of the Lungs
1.3K
The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
1.3K
01:30Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
163
The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
163
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
135
Pleural Effusion Overview
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
135
01:25Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
296
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
296