Abstract
Air in the pleural cavity is termed pneumothorax. When this occurs in the absence of trauma or medical intervention, it is called spontaneous pneumothorax. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax typically occurs in young patients without known lung disease. However, the idea that these patients have “normal” lungs is outdated. This article will review evidence of inflammation and respiratory bronchiolitis on surgical specimens, discuss the identification of emphysema-like change (i.e., blebs and bullae), the concept of pleural porosity and review recent data on the overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases in the lungs of patients who have had pneumothorax.
Highlights
Air in the pleural cavity is termed pneumothorax
While primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) seems to occur in patients without overtly recognised lung disease, patients may have blebs or bullae seen on computed tomography (CT) scanning
Blebs and bullae are sometimes known as emphysema-like change (ELC)
Summary
Later descriptions of pneumothorax appear in 19th-century medical literature by Laennec who referred to pneumothoraces complicating Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) infection. He acknowledged the occurrence of spontaneous pneumothorax, in the absence of TB, which he termed “pneumothorax simple” [2]. PSP was traditionally thought to occur in the absence of lung disease, there is increasing evidence that these patients do not have “normal lungs” [3,4] This evidence comprises a number of sources including patient-related risk factors (such as body morphology and smoking), radiographic abnormalities, and histological changes on examination of lung resection specimens
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
