PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Christopher R Gilbert
AU  - Jennifer W Toth
AU  - Umar Osman
AU  - Michael F Reed
TI  - Endobronchial Valve Placement as Destination Therapy for Recurrent Pneumothorax in the Setting of Advanced Malignancy
AID  - 10.4187/respcare.03540
DP  - 2014 Oct 21
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - respcare.03540
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2014/10/21/respcare.03540.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/early/2014/10/21/respcare.03540.full
AB  - 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.