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Respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis complicated by spontaneous pneumothorax in an infant: a case report

Hajar Eddukar1, Sara Aminou1, Soumia Benchekroun1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Pneumo-Allergology and Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital, Ibn Sina University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco.

The Pan African Medical Journal
|December 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Acute bronchiolitis, often caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), can rarely lead to spontaneous pneumothorax in infants. This case highlights that conservative management may suffice for stable infants with this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute bronchiolitis is a common infant respiratory infection, primarily caused by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
  • Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare but serious complication of bronchiolitis, occurring in 0.5-2% of hospitalized infants.
  • Infants with a history of asthma may be at increased risk.

Keywords:
Bronchiolitiscase reportinfantpneumothoraxrespiratory syncytial virus

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