Recurrent spontaneous pneumothoraxes as a complication of osteosarcoma metastases: a case report

Abstract

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in children and adolescents. Osteosarcomas are highly aggressive tumors that historically have had a dismal prognosis. However, the survival rate has improved significantly with the addition of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Here, we present a case report of a 13-year-old male with a history of a left humeral osteosarcoma whose course was complicated by recurrent sarcoma-related pneumothoraces. Despite recurrent pneumothoraces being a relatively uncommon complication of osteosarcoma, they present a great challenge to providing treatment that optimizes outcomes and quality of life for patients.

Keywords

• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Osteosarcoma pneumothorax
• Metastatic osteosarcoma
• Recurrent pneumothoraces