Mediastinal window: a cause of simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax

Ann Thorac Surg. 1992 Sep;54(3):560-1. doi: 10.1016/0003-4975(92)90456-e.

Abstract

A case of bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax with critical collapse of both lungs in a previously healthy 19-year-old woman is described. A congenital defect of mediastinal septum was suspected on the basis of roentgenographic findings and confirmed by right-sided thoracotomy. This mediastinal window between the pleural spaces allowed air leaking from a ruptured right lung apical bulla to collapse not only the right lung but also the left. Apical TA stapler resection and right-sided parietal pleurectomy was performed to prevent recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mediastinum / abnormalities*
  • Mediastinum / surgery
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / pathology
  • Radiography