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Case Reports
. 2013 Sep 11:2013:bcr2013010057.
doi: 10.1136/bcr-2013-010057.

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces: a case of occupational asthma

Waseem Asrar Khan  1 , Thomas Curl-Roper, Jenifer Helm, Catherine Houghton
Affiliations
Case Reports

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces: a case of occupational asthma

Waseem Asrar Khan et al. BMJ Case Rep. .

Abstract

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothoraces (SBSP) are uncommon. This report presents the case of a previously well 19-year-old man with a diagnosis of SBSP and symptoms suggestive of occupational asthma. Despite bilateral bullectomy and pleurodesis using a video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical technique, the pneumothorax reoccurred unilaterally and open surgery was performed. This case illustrates a rare condition of bilateral pneumothoraces presenting as a first presentation of occupational asthma and the issues surrounding its management.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Supine portable chest radiograph on admission. Total bilateral pneumothorax can be seen, along with endotracheal intubation tube and ECG chest leads.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Supine portable chest radiograph demonstrating reinflation of the lungs following chest-drain insertion.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Supine portable chest radiograph demonstrating reoccurrence of the right-sided pneumothorax.
Figure 4
Figure 4
High-resolution CT demonstrating reoccurrence of the right-sided pneumothorax and absence of any obvious underlying lung pathology.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Chest radiograph at 4-month follow-up demonstrating the absence of pathology.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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