Independent Risk Factors For Pneumothorax Research Articles

Computed Tomography-Guided Methylene Blue Localization: Single vs. Multiple Lung Nodules.

Background: Preoperative localization for small invisible and impalpable pulmonary nodules is important in single-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). Localization of multiple pulmonary nodules during VATS resection remains challenging. The aim of our study is to elucidate the efficacy of preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization of both single and multiple pulmonary nodules.Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing preoperative CT-guided methylene blue dye localization for lung nodules, followed by VATS resection, were retrospectively analyzed between January 2014 and November 2019. Chi-square tests, Fisher's exact test and independent T-test were used to compare variables between the groups. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for procedure-related complications.Results: A total of 388 patients, including 337 with single nodule and 51 with multiple nodules, were analyzed. The success rate of preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization for both single and multiple pulmonary nodules were comparable as 98.8% (333/337) vs. 100% (108/108). The procedure time was longer (23.2 ± 9.4 vs. 7.6 ± 4.8 min, p < 0.001) and risk of pneumothorax was higher (47.1 vs. 25.5%, p = 0.002) in the multiple nodule group. The procedure time (OR 1.079; 95% CI = 1.041–1.118; p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax. Nodule depth (OR 2.829; 95% CI = 1.259–6.356; p = 0.011) was an independent risk factor for pulmonary hemorrhage.Conclusions: Preoperative CT-guided methylene blue localization for both single and multiple pulmonary nodules is safe, feasible, and effective.

Safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic biopsy of small lung nodules (≤20 mm) adjacent to the pericardium or great vessels.

We aimed to evaluate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic biopsy of small lung nodules (≤20 mm) adjacent to the pericardium or great vessels. This retrospective study examined the safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous CT-guided biopsy for small lung nodules (≤20 mm) located within 10 mm of the pericardium or great vessels. Technical aspects and factors influencing complications were assessed, and diagnostic accuracy was calculated. A total of 168 biopsies were performed in 168 patients. The complications were mainly pneumothorax (34.5%; 58 of 168 patients), chest tube insertion (5.3%; 9 of 168 patients), and pulmonary hemorrhage (61.3%; 103 of 168 procedures), with no patient mortality. One patient (0.6%) was admitted because of hemorrhage complications. Significant independent risk factors for pneumothorax were nodules resided in upper or middle lobes and lateral patient position, and for hemorrhage, longer distance from structures and longer needle trajectory through the lung parenchyma. Overall, the sensitivity, accuracy, and specificity were 91.0%, 92.2%, and 100%, respectively. Percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic biopsy was highly accurate in small lung nodules (≤20 mm) adjacent to the pericardium or great vessels. Complications are common, but most were minor and self-limited.

A computed tomography-based nomogram to predict pneumothorax caused by preoperative localization of ground glass nodules using hook wire.

To develop and validate a CT-based nomogram to predict the occurrence of loculated pneumothorax due to hook wire placement. Patients (n = 177) were divided into pneumothorax (n = 72) and non-pneumothorax (n = 105) groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was applied to build a clinical prediction model using significant predictors identified by univariate analysis of imaging features and clinical factors. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was applied to evaluate the discrimination of the nomogram, which was calibrated using calibration curve. Based on the results of multivariable regression analysis, transfissure approach [odds ratio (OR): 757.94; 95% confidence interval CI (21.20-27099.30) p < 0.0001], transemphysema [OR: 116.73; 95% CI (12.34-1104.04) p < 0.0001], localization of multiple nodules [OR: 8.04; 95% CI (2.09-30.89) p = 0.002], and depth of nodule [OR: 0.77; 95% CI (0.71-0.85) p < 0.0001] were independent risk factors for pneumothorax and were included in the predictive model (p < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve value for the nomogram was 0.95 [95% CI (0.92-0.98)] and the calibration curve indicated good consistency between risk predicted using the model and actual risk. A CT-based nomogram combining imaging features and clinical factors can predict the probability of pneumothorax before localization of ground-glass nodules. The nomogram is a decision-making tool to prevent pneumothorax and determine whether to proceed with further treatment. A nomogram composed of transfissure, transemphysema, multiple nodule localization, and depth of nodule has been developed to predict the probability of pneumothorax before localization of GGNs.

Incidence, severity and tolerability of pneumothorax following low-dose CT-guided lung biopsy in different severities of COPD.

The feasibility of pneumothorax following low-dose CT-guided puncture lung biopsy in different severities of COPD has not been reported. The data of the patients with pulmonary lesion who underwent low-dose CT-guided lung biopsy by one experienced operator in our hospital from January 1st to September 30th in 2019 were retrospectively collected. They were divided into COPD group and non-COPD group. The risk factors, incidence and severity of pneumothorax with the severity of COPD and changes in MMRC score, treatment way and discharge time after pneumothorax were assessed. Two hundred and nineteen patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study with 64 in the COPD group and 155 in the non-COPD group. The average age, MMRC score and the incidence of pneumothorax after biopsy were significantly higher in the COPD group (64.7±1.27years, 1.02±0.13, 31.3%) than in the non-COPD group (58.8±1.16years, 0.35±0.06, 17.4%, P<0.05). The incidence of pneumothorax between I-II and III-IV in COPD did not reach the significant difference (P=0.863). COPD was the only independent risk factor for pneumothorax after biopsy in a multivariable regression (P<0.05). MMRC score was significantly increased at post-pneumothorax in the two groups (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in diagnostic rate, severity of pneumothorax, the proportion of delayed pneumothorax, the changes in treatment way and discharge time between the two groups (P>0.05). Although the incidence of pneumothorax after low dose CT-guided lung biopsy is increased in COPD, there was no difference in the severity of pneumothorax amongst the different severities of COPD and it is well-tolerated without increasing medical burden.

Imaging-guided Percutaneous Biopsy of Nodules ≤1 cm: Study of Diagnostic Performance and Risk Factors Associated With Biopsy Failure.

Percutaneous biopsy of lung nodules is established as a safe procedure with high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Its role in the diagnosis of subcentimeter nodules is, however, less clear. The goal of this study was to evaluate diagnostic yield, accuracy, and safety of computed tomography (CT)-guided needle biopsy in the diagnosis of subcentimeter lung nodules. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database over a 12-year period identified 133 eligible CT-guided needle biopsies of lesions ≤1 cm. Diagnostic yield and accuracy for the diagnosis of malignancy were calculated. Lesion features and procedure characteristics were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors associated with biopsy failure and complications. Biopsy specimens were adequate for diagnosis in 116/133(87%) cases; the diagnostic yield for malignant and benign lesions was 93% and 65%, respectively. Final benign diagnosis was the strongest independent risk factor for biopsy failure. In multivariate logistic regression, fine-needle aspiration was an independent risk factor for diagnostic failure. Core needle biopsy was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax, and core needle biopsy, number of passes, and age were independent risk factors for pneumothorax requiring tube drainage. CT-guided percutaneous needle biopsy had high diagnostic yield for the diagnosis of subcentimeter lung nodules with a similar complication rate to biopsy of larger lesions. Fine-needle aspiration may be an independent factor for diagnostic failure even for malignant lesions.

Computed tomography-guided biopsy for sub-centimetre lung nodules: Technical success and diagnostic accuracy.

The differentiation of benign and malignant sub-centimetre (≤10mm) lung nodules (SCLNs) is challenging. Computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy has been widely used for the diagnosis of lung nodules or masses. However, studies regarding CT-guided biopsies for SCLNs are still lacking. To evaluate the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of CT-guided biopsies for SCLNs. From December 2011 to October 2017, 102 patients with SCLNs underwent CT-guided lung biopsies. Data on technical success, diagnostic performance and procedure-related complications were collected and analysed. The technical success rate of CT-guided biopsy for SCLNs was 99% (101/102). One patient failed to undergo the procedure. A total of 101 SCLNs in 101 patients were examined. The biopsy diagnostic results included 38 malignant cases, 1 suspected malignant case, 5 specific benign cases and 57 non-specific benign cases. The final diagnoses included 49 malignant cases, 49 benign cases and 3 cases of undiagnosed lesions. The sensitivity, specificity and overall diagnostic accuracy were 80% (39/49), 100% (49/49) and 90% (88/98), respectively. Based on the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the independent risk factors for diagnostic failure were small tissue sample numbers (P=0.048) and procedure-related hemoptysis (P=0.004). Pneumothorax was found in 13 patients (13%). Based on the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the independent risk factor for pneumothorax was the decubitus position (P=0.011). Hemoptysis was found in seven patients (7%). CT-guided biopsy is a safe and highly accurate diagnostic method for SCLNs.

Perilesional emphysema as a predictor of risk of complications from computed tomography-guided transthoracic lung biopsy.

This study evaluated whether or not patterns of emphysema and their qualitative and quantitative severity can predict the risk of complications with post-computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic lung biopsy (TTLB). Three hundred and ninety-seven patients who underwent CT-guided TTLB in 2010-2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The severity of emphysema and presence of perilesional emphysema were assessed visually using the Fleischner Society classification. Ninety seven of the 397 patients underwent quantitative analysis of emphysema. Complications, including pneumothorax, chest tube insertion, and hemorrhage, were assessed by post-TTLB CT and radiographic imaging. The grade of hemorrhage was categorized into three groups. Independent risk factors for pneumothorax and hemorrhage were assessed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Pneumothorax occurred in 48.6% of cases and hemorrhage in 70.5%. Perilesional emphysema was significantly associated with pneumothorax (odds ratio 6.720; 95% confidence interval 3.265-13.831, p < 0.001) and hemorrhage (odds ratio 3.877; 95% confidence interval 1.796-8.367; p = 0.001). The severity of visual and quantitative emphysema was not a significant risk factor for pneumothorax or hemorrhage (p > 0.05). Perilesional emphysema was significantly associated with the grade of hemorrhage (p < 0.001). Perilesional emphysema can estimate the risk of iatrogenic complications from CT-guided TTLB.

Does Ipsilateral-Dependent Positioning During Percutaneous Lung Biopsy Decrease the Risk of Pneumothorax?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether placing patients in an ipsilateral-dependent position during percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic biopsy reduces the pneumothorax rate. Between July 2013 and August 2017, a total of 516 patients (317 men and 199 women; mean age, 66.4 years) underwent core needle biopsies performed using 17- and 18-gauge needles. The overall pneumothorax rate and the rate of pneumothorax requiring drainage catheter insertion were compared between group A (patients placed in an ipsilateral-dependent position) and group B (patients placed in a position other than the ipsilateral-dependent position), with use of a chi-square test or Fisher exact test, as appropriate. Linear regression analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed for risk factors of pneumothorax, including patient characteristics (e.g., emphysema along the needle track), lesion characteristics (e.g., size and position), and biopsy technique characteristics (e.g., needle path length, needle-pleura angle, and fissure crossing). For patients in group A and group B, the overall pneumothorax rate (21/94 [22.3%] and 95/422 [22.5%], respectively; p = 0.97) and the rate of pneumothorax requiring drainage catheter insertion (6/94 [6.4%] and 28/422 [6.6%], respectively; p = 0.90) were not statistically different. After multiple regression analysis, the only independent risk factors for pneumothorax and insertion of a drainage catheter were needle path length (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02, respectively), emphysema along the needle track (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively), and fissure crossing (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001, respectively). Even though the pneumothorax rate does not appear to be reduced, with the limits of a retrospective evaluation considered, other advantages of the ipsilateral decubitus position exist, including protection of the contralateral lung in patients with severe hemoptysis.

New bullae formation in the staple line increases the risk of recurrent pneumothorax following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery bullectomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

The study aimed to investigate the association between the recurrence of pneumothorax following video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) and the formation of new bullae. This retrospective review examined patients who underwent VATS for PSP between April 2009 and December 2014. Of the 415 operated lungs, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans of 85 were analyzed. Of the 85 HRCT scans examined, 21 (24.7%) were diagnosed with recurrent pneumothorax and 60 new bullae were found. In total, 39 new bullae were located in the staple line, 38 were at other sites far from the staplers, and 17 were concurrent in the stapling and non-stapling areas. The group with new bullae in staple line exhibited significantly higher recurrence rate following VATS than the groups with no new bullae in the staple line (P=0.000, log-rank test). Cox regression analysis revealed that new bullae formation in the staple line [hazard ratio (HR), 26.664; P=0.003] and the volume of a resected pathology specimen (HR, 1.032; P=0.020) were independent risk factors for pneumothorax recurrence. New bullae formation in the staple line increases the risk of recurrent pneumothorax following VATS. Thus, the current concept of VATS bullectomy-resect with sufficient margin-warrants reconsideration.

Lung radiodensity along the needle passage is a quantitative predictor of pneumothorax after CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy

To analyse whether the lowest value of lung radiodensity along the passage of the biopsy needle is a quantitative predictor of pneumothorax. CT-guided percutaneous core needle biopsy (PCNB) procedures performed at Zhongnan Hospital were analysed retrospectively. Age, gender, lesion size, lesion depth, lesion location, patient position, number of passages, needle pleural angle, pulmonary bleeding, and lung radiodensity along the needle passage were collected and classified by the extent of pneumothorax. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were assessed to explore the independent risk factors for pneumothorax. Six hundred and seventy-seven cases were included in the study, including 456 males and 221 females. Pneumothorax occurred in 40.18% of cases, of which 82.4% were mild, 14% were moderate, and 3.7% were severe. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that lesion size ≤2cm (p=0.002), two or more passages (p=0.033), and lung radiodensity of -850 HU or less (p≤0.001) were independent risk factors for pneumothorax; bleeding (p<0.001) was a protective factor for pneumothorax. The lowest value of lung radiodensity along the needle passage was a quantitative predictor of pneumothorax. A value of -850 HU or less was an independent risk factor for pneumothorax. As the value decreased, there was a higher risk of occurrence of more severe pneumothorax.

Assessment of Independent Risk Factors of Developing Pneumothorax During Percutaneous Core Needle Lung Biopsy: Focus on Lesion Depth.

BackgroundPrevious studies identifying risk factors for pneumothorax in percutaneous core needle lung biopsies reported inconsistent and contradictory results.ObjectivesWe aimed to identify independent risk factors for pneumothorax associated with computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous core needle lung biopsy (PCNB).Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 591 biopsy procedures for focal lung lesions. Risk factors for pneumothorax as a complication after lung biopsy were determined by univariate and multivariate analyses of variables including the patient’s age, gender, lesion depth from the pleural surface, lesion size, lesion location, presence or absence of fissure crossing by the needle, emphysema in the same lobe where the biopsy was performed, and the final diagnosis of the biopsy lesion.ResultsPneumothorax occurred in 100 (16.9%) of 591 procedures. Based on univariate analyses, significant risk factors affecting the incidence of pneumothorax were patient gender (P = 0.039), lesion depth from the pleural surface (P < 0.001), fissure crossing by the needle (P = 0.002), and the presence of emphysema (P = 0.009). From the multivariate analysis, an increased rate of pneumothorax was strongly correlated with lesion depth from the pleural surface (odds ratio [OR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50 - 1.96; P < 0.001) and the presence of emphysema (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.73 - 5.04; P < 0.001).ConclusionLesion depth from the pleural surface and the presence of emphysema were strongly correlated with the increasing incidence of pneumothorax after CT-guided PCNB. Our results may be applicable for the risk management of PCNBs to reduce pneumothorax as a complication.

3:54 PMAbstract No. 372 - CT guided lung biopsy: a lesion’s lobar location and distance from pleura as independent risk factors for pneumothorax

3:54 PMAbstract No. 372 - CT guided lung biopsy: a lesion’s lobar location and distance from pleura as independent risk factors for pneumothorax

CT-guided fine-needle aspiration and core needle biopsies of pulmonary lesions: a single-center experience with 750 biopsies in Japan.

CT-guided lung biopsy is a well-established diagnostic method for pulmonary lesions. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic outcomes and safety profile of conventional CT-guided lung biopsies. We retrospectively analyzed the results of CT-guided lung biopsies for 750 patients to determine the diagnostic accuracy, complication rates, and independent risk factors for diagnostic failure and severe pneumothorax. Diagnostic accuracy was 92.9%. Independent risk factors for diagnostic failure were malignant lesions (odds ratio [OR], 4.20; 95% CI, 1.66-14.1; p = 0.001), lesions in the lower lobe (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.17-3.47; p = 0.011), lesions 2.0 cm or smaller (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.59-5.48; p < 0.001), and the presence of pneumothorax during the procedure (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.27-3.78; p = 0.004). Pneumothorax requiring drainage occurred in 7% of patients. Independent risk factors for pneumothorax requiring drainage were age of 73 years or older (OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.21-4.05; p = 0.009), the presence of emphysema (OR, 4.29; 95% CI, 2.05-8.82; p < 0.001), benign lesions (OR, 2.33; 95% CI, 1.20-4.40; p = 0.012), supine positioning of the patient (OR, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.44-4.84; p = 0.001), and length from the pleura to the lesion of 1.5 cm or greater (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.63-6.17; p < 0.001). CT-guided lung biopsy has a high diagnostic accuracy. Complication rates were acceptable and comparable to those of previous studies.

Risk Factors of Pneumothorax after Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Biopsy for Peripheral Lung Lesions

BackgroundThe risk of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy-related pneumothorax is a major concern and warrants further studies. The aim of our study was to estimate the risk of pneumothorax after this procedure and identify its risk factors.MethodsFrom 2007 to 2011, 399 patients who underwent endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy for peripheral lung lesions were included in this study. The variables analyzed included patient factors, lesion factors and procedure factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for pneumothorax.ResultsThe incidence of pneumothorax was 3.3% (13/399). Chest tube placement was required for 31% (4/13) of pneumothoraces. Independent risk factors for pneumothorax included pulmonary emphysema (OR, 55.09; 95% CI, 9.37–324.03; p<0.001) and probe position adjacent to the lesion (OR, 17.01; 95% CI, 2.85–101.64; p = 0.002). The number of biopsy specimens, age, sex, history of prior lung surgery and lesion size, location and character did not influence the risk of pneumothorax in our analyses.ConclusionsThe risk of pneumothorax after endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial biopsy is low. To further reduce the risk of pneumothorax, every effort should be made to advance the endobronchial ultrasound probe into the bronchus where it is imaged within the target lesion before embarking on transbronchial biopsy.

Rapid Needle-Out Patient-Rollover Time after Percutaneous CT-guided Transthoracic Biopsy of Lung Nodules: Effect on Pneumothorax Rate

To assess the effect of a rapid needle-out patient-rollover time approach on the rate of pneumothorax after computed tomography (CT)-guided transthoracic needle biopsy of pulmonary nodules. The institutional review board approved the study, and all patients gave written informed consent. Between January 2008 and December 2009, percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy was performed in 201 patients. Eighty-one biopsies were performed without (group 1) and 120 were performed with (group 2) a rapid needle-out patient-rollover time approach (defined as the time between removal of the biopsy needle and placing the patient biopsy-side down). Multivariate analysis was performed between groups for risk factors for pneumothorax, including patient demographic characteristics, lesion characteristics, and biopsy technique. Mean rapid needle-out patient-rollover time (± standard deviation) was 9.5 seconds ± 4.8. Seventy-six percent of patients (75 of 98) achieved a needle-out patient-rollover time of 10 seconds or less. Unsuitability for the rapid needle-out patient-rollover time technique resulted in exclusion of 1.8% of patients. An increased number of pneumothoraces (25 [37%] vs 22 [23%]; P = .04) and an increased number of drainage catheter insertions were noted in group 1 compared with group 2 (10 [15%] versus four [4%], respectively; P = .029). At multiple regression analysis for group 1, lesion size and emphysema along the needle track were independent risk factors for pneumothorax (P = .032 and .021, respectively), and emphysema along the needle track was an independent predictor for insertion of a drainage catheter (P = .005). No independent predictor was identified for pneumothorax or insertion of a drainage catheter in group 2. Rapid needle-out patient-rollover time during percutaneous CT-guided transthoracic lung biopsy reduces the rate of overall pneumothorax and pneumothorax necessitating a drainage catheter. Use of this technique attenuates the influence of traditional risk factors for pneumothorax.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Pneumothorax and Chest Tube Placement After CT Fluoroscopy–Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy: Retrospective Analysis of the Procedures Conducted Over a 9-Year Period

The objective of our study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of and the risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement after CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsy. We analyzed 1,098 CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsies conducted with 20-gauge coaxial cutting needles for 1,155 lesions in 1,033 patients. Apart from evaluating the incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement, the independent risk factors for pneumothorax and chest tube placement for pneumothorax were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The overall incidence of pneumothorax was 42.3% (464/1,098). Chest tube placement was required for 11.9% (55/464) of pneumothoraces (5.0% [55/1,098] of the total number of procedures). The significant independent risk factors for pneumothorax were no prior pulmonary surgery (p = 0.001), lesions in the lower lobe (p < 0.001), greater lesion depth (p < 0.001), and a needle trajectory angle of < 45 degrees (p = 0.014); those for chest tube placement for pneumothorax were pulmonary emphysema (p < 0.001) and greater lesion depth (p < 0.001). Pneumothorax frequently occurred and placement of a chest tube was occasionally required for pneumothorax after CT fluoroscopy-guided lung biopsy. To reduce the risk of pneumothorax necessitating chest tube placement, physicians should adopt the shortest needle path to the lesion.

Factors Associated With Pneumothorax and Pneumothorax Requiring Treatment after Percutaneous Lung Biopsy in 443 Consecutive Patients

To describe patient- and procedure-related factors associated with post-biopsy pneumothorax and those that require intervention. Patient and procedure data from all lung biopsies performed at a single center between January 2000 and July 2001 were recorded prospectively. Data included patient demographics, lesion size, lesion depth from skin, needle size, number of passes, patient position during biopsy, imaging method used (computed tomography/fluoroscopy), if sedation was used, occurrence of pneumothorax and whether the pneumothorax required treatment. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed to determine smoking history, as well as previous ipsilateral chest surgery or radiation therapy. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed, and P <.05 was considered significant. Four-hundred fifty-three biopsies were performed on 443 patients. One-hundred six patients (23.4%) had post-biopsy pneumothorax and 31 patients (6.8% overall, 29.2% of pneumothorax group) required intervention. By univariate analysis, increased patient age, smaller lesion size, increased depth from skin, supine position, and no history of surgery were significant predictors of biopsy-related pneumothorax. However, only increased patient age, supine position, no history of ipsilateral surgery, and history of smoking were associated with pneumothorax that required intervention. By multivariate analysis, increased patient age, smaller lesion size, and no history of surgery predicted pneumothorax; supine position, history of smoking, and no history of ipsilateral surgery predicted which patients with pneumothorax would require treatment. Independent risk factors for pneumothorax include increased patient age, smaller lesion size, and no history of surgery. Previous surgery and prone positioning during biopsy appear to provide a "protective effect" against clinically significant post-biopsy pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax in HIV-infected patients: role of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and pulmonary tuberculosis.

Patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) are at increased risk for pneumothorax, which usually occurs in the setting of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. The rationale of the present study was based on the hypothesis that the increased incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients could favour the development of pneumothorax in such patients. A case-control study was performed comprising 140 HIV-infected patients grouped as follows: 35 patients with pneumothorax and 105 matched controls without pneumothorax. Univariate analysis identified four risk factors for pneumothorax: 1) previous P. carinii pneumonia (p=0.01); 2) current P. carinii pneumonia (p=0.02); 3) pulmonary tuberculosis (p=0.01); and 4) cysts, pneumatoceles or bullae on chest radiographs (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that current P. carinii pneumonia (p=0.01) and pulmonary tuberculosis (p=0.04) were both independent risk factors for pneumothorax. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that, in addition to Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, pulmonary tuberculosis enhances the risk of pneumothorax in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome.