An unusual emergency condition in pregnancy: pneumothorax. Case series and review of the literature

Excerpt

The term ‘pneumothorax’ was first coined by Itard and then Laennec in 1803 and 1819, respectively, and refers to air in the pleural cavity [1]. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax usually occurs in young healthy male population. Most common pathology is the rupture of an apical subpleural bleb [2]. Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax is associated with primary lung pathology, and the most common cause is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [2]. Pneumothorax is rare during pregnancy [3]. The suitable birth method and the management are also challenging. In this study, we present the largest series reported to date of the management of pneumothorax in pregnancy, together with a review of the relevant literature. Five patients treated for spontaneous pneumothorax occurred during pregnancy or as a complication of vaginal delivery are presented. …