Unilateral bronchospasm during pleurodesis in an asthmatic patient.

ABSTRACT

A case of unilateral bronchospasm during pleurodesis in a patient with a history of recurrent pneumothorax and asthma is presented. The etiology of this event is not clear; however, it likely includes reflex parasympathetic bronchoconstriction due to physical stimulation of the pleural surface during pleurodesis. Treatment involved independent lung ventilation, corticosteroids, and aminophylline.