Bilateral pneumothoraces after unilateral transthoracic needle biopsy of a lung nodule

Chest. 2003 Apr;123(4):1297-9. doi: 10.1378/chest.123.4.1297.

Abstract

The occurrence of pneumothorax after an invasive transthoracic procedure is a well-known complication. Less well-recognized is the occurrence of bilateral pneumothoraces after a unilateral intervention with a potential for life-threatening consequences in patients who have undergone median sternotomies. We present a patient who had undergone a thymoma resection in the remote past and developed bilateral pneumothoraces after undergoing transthoracic needle biopsy of a right lung nodule.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumothorax
  • Solitary Pulmonary Nodule / pathology*
  • Thoracic Surgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Thymoma / surgery*
  • Thymus Neoplasms / surgery*