An unusual presentation of spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to talc-induced pulmonary granulomatosis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2009 Jun;87(6):1941-3. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.11.005.

Abstract

Talc-induced pulmonary granulomatosis is an unusual condition resulting from the intravenous administration of medications intended for oral use. A patient with this condition who presented with a spontaneous tension pneumothorax is reported. Although the radiographic findings of a diffuse reticulonodular pattern are typical, this patient was found to have diffuse, small cavitary pulmonary nodules. Surgeons should be aware of this rare condition and should have a low threshold for performing a thoracoscopic lung biopsy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Granuloma, Foreign-Body / chemically induced*
  • Granuloma, Foreign-Body / complications*
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Lung Diseases / complications*
  • Male
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis*
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Talc / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Talc