Abstract
The development of a persistent air leak after pneumothorax can be encountered in patients with underlying structural lung disease. In those with advanced malignancy or other comorbidities, the ability to tolerate general anesthesia and thoracoscopic procedures may limit definitive management. We describe the case of a 68-y-old male with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia presenting with recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and persistent air leak related to an underlying fungal pneumonia. Endobronchial valve placement allowed for timely chest tube removal and discharge from the hospital, as well as avoidance of a thoracoscopic procedure and pleurodesis.
Footnotes
- Correspondence: Christopher R Gilbert DO MSc, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, MCH041, Hershey, PA 17033. E-mail: cgilbert1{at}hmc.psu.edu.
Drs Toth and Reed are members of the clinical advisory board for Spiration. Drs Gilbert and Osman have disclosed no conflicts of interest.
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