A Case of Pneumothorax Ex Vacuo Associated with COVID-19.

Pneumothorax is a known complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The concept of pneumothorax ex vacuo has also been proposed to describe pneumothorax that occurs after malignant pleural effusion drainage. Herein, we present the case of a 67-year-old woman who had abdominal distension for 2 months. A detailed examination led to the suspicion of an ovarian tumor and revealed an accumulation of pleural effusion and ascitic fluid. Thoracentesis was performed, raising the suspicion of metastasis of high-grade serous carcinoma arising from the ovary. An ovarian biopsy was scheduled to select subsequent pharmacotherapy, and a drain was inserted preoperatively into the left thoracic cavity. Thereafter, a polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that the patient was positive for COVID-19. Thus, the surgery was postponed. After the thoracic cavity drain was removed, pneumothorax occurred, and mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema was observed. Thoracic cavity drains were then placed again. The patient's condition was conservatively relieved without surgery. This patient may have developed pneumothorax ex vacuo during the course of a COVID-19 infection. Since chronic inflammation in the thoracic cavity is involved in the onset of pneumothorax ex vacuo, careful consideration is required for the thoracic cavity drainage of malignant pleural effusion and other fluid retention.

Postoperative Trapped Lung After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation is a Predictor of Increased Mortality.

Pleural effusions are a common complication of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), and chronic post-OLT pleural effusions have been associated with worse outcomes. Furthermore, "trapped lung" (TL), defined as a restrictive fibrous visceral pleural peel preventing lung re-expansion, may have prognostic significance. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult OLT recipients over a 9-year period at UCLA Medical Center. Post-OLT patients with persistent pleural effusions, defined by the presence of pleural fluid requiring drainage one to 12 months after OLT, were included for analysis. Outcomes for patients with and without TL were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. Of the 1722 patients who underwent OLT, 117 (7%) patients met our criteria for persistent postoperative pleural effusion, and the incidence of TL was 21.4% (25/117). Compared to patients without TL, those with TL required more surgical pleural procedures (OR 59.8, 95%CI 19.7-181.4, p < 0.001), spent more days in the hospital (IRR 1.56, 95%CI 1.09-2.23, p = 0.015), and had a higher risk of mortality (HR 2.47, 95%CI 1.59-3.82, p < 0.001) following transplant. In sum, we found that post-OLT TL was associated with higher morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. Future prospective investigation is warranted to further clarify the risk factors for developing postoperative pleural effusions and TL.

Impact of pneumothorax-like pulmonary collapse caused by rapid bronchial obstruction: A case report of pneumothorax ex vacuo.

We report two cases of pulmonary collapse that simulated pneumothorax on computed tomographic images and were caused by rapid complete bronchial obstruction. One patient was a 77-year-old woman with sudden dyspnea, and the other was an 83-year-old woman with sudden dyspnea who was infected with influenza A virus. Chest computed tomography revealed lobular complete atelectasis with an almost complete expansion of the other lobes of the right lung. Some air space in the right pleural cavity was also observed. Both cases were diagnosed as "pneumothorax" by primary doctors. We noted the disappearance of air density in the lumen of the right bronchus in both cases. We performed bronchoscopy before thoracic drainage and removed the obstruction. Immediately, the obstructed pulmonary lobes expanded, and the air space in the pleural cavity disappeared without thoracic drainage. In the literature, this pneumothorax-like pulmonary collapse is called as "pneumothorax ex vacuo."

Pneumothorax ex vacuo: Three cases of an uncommon entity.

Pneumothorax is a frequently encountered entity in pulmonary practice and can be primary or secondary. Traumatic and iatrogenic causes also account for a minority of cases presenting to the chest physician. The most common therapeutic intervention done is a tube thoracostomy in all but the mildest of cases. Pneumothorax ex vacuo is a distinctly uncommon entity that differs considerably from the rest of the pneumothorax cases in its pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, radiological findings, and management. Pneumothorax in this entity results from the sucking in of air into the pleural space caused by an exaggerated negative intrapleural pressure, which is most frequently secondary to acute lobar collapse. Symptoms attributable to pneumothorax per se are distinctly mild and the vital aspect of treatment is to relieve the bronchial obstruction. Tube thoracostomy fails to relieve the pneumothorax in such cases and should be avoided. We share three cases of pneumothorax ex vacuo encountered in our institution and alert clinicians of the presentation, radiology, and management of this uncommon condition.

Pneumothorax Ex-vacuo or Trapped Lungs Appearing as Iatrogenic Hydropneumothorax: A Case Report and Review of Non-expandable Lungs (NEL).

Non-expandable lungs are usually diagnosed after a pleural intervention. It can be challenging to differentiate between an iatrogenic pneumothorax and a new diagnosis of non-expandable lungs following a pleural intervention. The correct assessment can save the patient from undergoing the insertion of an unnecessary intercostal chest drain, which often leads to catastrophe. Suspicion and early evaluation remain the keys, particularly in patients with chronic effusion. Often the diagnosis is reached through a combination of history, pleural fluid analysis, and radiological features such as the absence of a straight line in the chest X-ray, which is commonly found in a true hydropneumothorax, along with computed tomographic evidence of chronic effusion with thick pleural rind. Although not routinely performed, pleural manometry can confirm the diagnosis of trapped lungs. We present our case, where a 64-year-old woman with metastatic oesophageal cancer developed a right-sided effusion. The post-procedure chest X-ray following therapeutic aspiration of the pleural fluid gave an impression of iatrogenic hydropneumothorax, which on further careful assessment revealed a rather pneumothorax ex-vacuo along with effusion due to underlying trapped lungs. We present a review of non-expandable lungs.

Pneumothorax Ex Vacuo: A Rare Complication of PleurX Catheter Insertion.

Pneumothorax ex vacuo (PEV) is a rare type of pneumothorax that occurs when air enters the pleural space in the chest cavity due to an increase in the volume of the lungs or a reduction in the volume of the surrounding lung tissue. Unlike a typical pneumothorax, which involves the collapse of the lung due to air accumulation, pneumothorax ex vacuo occurs when the lung itself cannot expand properly, often due to underlying lung disease or conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis or atelectasis. The mechanism is compensatory to the lung entrapment. PleurX catheter (Pleur-Evac; Teleflex, Wayne, PA, USA) insertion can cause pneumothorax ex vacuo in patients with cancer histories, as shown in this case. It is important to understand if pneumothorax ex vacuo needs observation or quick intervention. Pleural manometry is also an important part of diagnosis of pneumothorax ex vacuo and we discuss that in our case report.

When the Lung Refuses to Expand: A Deep Dive Into a Pneumothorax Ex Vacuo Case.

Pneumothorax ex vacuo and trapped lung represent challenging clinical entities, especially in the context of pre-existing comorbidities. This case report outlines the diagnostic and management pathway of a 38-year-old patient with cerebral palsy who initially presented with empyema. Following the evacuation of the empyema, the patient developed pneumothorax ex vacuo, a rare phenomenon occurring due to a vacuum-like negative intrapleural pressure initiated by lung collapse. Initially suspected to have an infectious etiology based on laboratory findings, the patient was later found to have a large hydropneumothorax through a combination of imaging, laboratory studies, and clinical evaluations without confirming infection or malignancy. Despite interventions including Tissue Plasminogen Activator (TPA) and Deoxyribonuclease (DNAse) administration to facilitate pleural drainage, the patient's condition persisted, necessitating a surgical intervention that evolved from a minimally invasive video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) to a more invasive thoracotomy due to unforeseen pleural thickening. The patient's pre-existing condition of cerebral palsy increased his susceptibility to respiratory complications, including empyema, due to the risk of aspiration. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing such complex clinical scenarios. It also serves as a clinical reminder that pneumothorax ex vacuo is generally benign and does not typically require chest tube placement, as the primary issue is an unexpandable lung that is unresponsive to pleural drainage. The report emphasizes the need for flexible surgical planning and robust postoperative management to optimize patient outcomes. It also clarifies the distinct pathophysiology of pneumothorax ex vacuo compared to primary or secondary pneumothorax, advocating for a comprehensive diagnostic approach and the crucial role of a multidisciplinary team in the management of such intricate cases.

Preoperative Trapped Lung Is Associated With Increased Mortality After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Trapped lung, characterized by atelectatic lung unable to reexpand and fill the thoracic cavity due to a restricting fibrous visceral pleural peel, is occasionally seen in patients with end-stage liver disease complicated by hepatic hydrothorax. Limited data suggest that trapped lung prior to orthotopic liver transplantation may be associated with poor outcomes. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the clinical significance of trapped lung in patients receiving orthotopic liver transplantation? DESIGN: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent liver transplantation over an 8-year period. Baseline clinical characteristics and postoperative outcomes of adult patients with trapped lung were analyzed and compared to the overall cohort of liver transplant recipients and controls matched 3:1 based on age, sex, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and presence of pleural effusion. RESULTS: Of the 1193 patients who underwent liver transplantation, we identified 20 patients (1.68%) with trapped lung. The probability of 1 and 2-year survival were 75.0% and 57.1%, compared to 85.6% and 80.4% (p = 0.02) in all liver transplant recipients and 87.9% and 81.1% (p = 0.03) in matched controls respectively. Patients with trapped lung had a longer hospital length of stay compared to the total liver transplant population (geometric mean 54.9 ± 8.4 vs. 27.2 ± 0.7 days, p ≤ 0.001), when adjusted for age and MELD score. DISCUSSION: Patients with trapped prior to orthotopic liver transplantation have increased probability of mortality as well as increased health care utilization. This is a small retrospective analysis, and further prospective investigation is warranted.

Successful Treatment of Pneumothorax in a Dog With Sterile Pleural Fibrosis Caused by Chylothorax.

A 2-year-old, 12 kg, intact male crossbreed dog was presented with respiratory distress, exercise intolerance, and gagging. Plain thoracic radiographs revealed severe pleural effusion. Although bilateral needle thoracocentesis and chest tube placement were performed, no re-expansion of the lung lobes occurred. Pleural effusion was of chylous quality and led to lung entrapment. Computer tomography revealed a highly atrophic and atelectatic right middle lung lobe. The remaining lung lobes were only expanded to ~40%. Visceral pleura and pericardium showed a heterogeneous thickening consistent with pleural fibrosis. Partial pericardiectomy with resection of the middle lung lobe through a right lateral thoracotomy was performed. Ligation of the thoracic duct and ablation of the cisterna chyli was achieved through a single paracostal approach. Histopathology revealed chronic-active proliferative beginning granulomatous pleuritis, fibrotic pericarditis, and partial coagulative necrosis with incomplete granulomatous sequestration in the resected middle lung lobe. Chylothorax resolved after surgical intervention. Active pleural effusion resolved, and lung entrapment changed to trapped lung disease. The remaining lung lobes re-expanded to ~80% over the following 6 days. The dog was discharged 10 days later. Mild to moderate pleural effusion of non-chylic quality was present during the following 4 months. Meloxicam was administered for 4 months because of its anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Fifteen months later, thoracic radiographs revealed full radiologic expansion of the lungs with persistent mild pleural fibrosis. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of pneumothorax due pleural fibrosis caused by chylothorax in a dog with an excellent clinical outcome.