Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in a patient with anorexia nervosa

Abstract

Anorexia nervosa causes various complications accompanying weight loss and malnutrition. Although bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax (SBSP) is uncommon, caution is needed in anorexia nervosa because this complication can be fatal. We encountered a 17-year-old girl with SBSP from emphysematous pulmonary changes due to anorexia nervosa. She was hospitalized with SBSP during treatment for anorexia nervosa. Chest tube drainage was started on admission, but no improvement was achieved. Surgery was therefore performed. Lung lesions on surgical specimens demonstrated malnutrition-induced emphysematous changes, a risk factor for SBSP. Attention should be paid to the occurrence of SBSP during the clinical course of anorexia nervosa.

Keywords

• Anorexia nervosa
• Pneumothorax
• Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax
• Emphysematous change