Persistent Spontaneous Pneumothorax for Four Years: A Case Report

Abstract

Pneumothorax, defined as the presence of air in the pleural space, is usually classified as spontaneous or traumatic; it is unusual for pneumothorax to be categorized as being acute or chronic. Even if conservative treatment is chosen, the pneumothorax is cured when air in the pleural space dissolves into the venous blood. A 50-years-old Japanese man with no prior medical history was referred to our department with a right pneumothorax and two rightsided pulmonary nodules on chest X-ray and CT. The chest radiographs of past mass screening which was taken four years ago showed right pneumothorax and right-sided pulmonary nodules. From then, all chest radiograph and chest computed tomography showed right pneumothorax and pulmonary nodules. But he underwent no medical interventions. We designed to perform an operation for a treatment of right pneumothorax and the diagnosis of pulmonary tumors. We underwent right upper lobectomy and pleural decortication under video assisted thoracic surgery. We obtained pathological diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor and surrounding atelectasis. He was cured from pneumothorax and pulmonary tumors. A unique case of spontaneous pneumothorax presenting with a pleural air space that was confirmed by chest radiographs and computed tomography examinations over a 4-year period is reported.

Keywords

• Pneumothorax
• VATS lobectomy
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Pleural decortication