Persistent Pneumothorax Research Articles

368. THE ROLE OF PG-SGA SCORE IN PREDICTING SHORT- TERM POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER SURGERY

Abstract Background The preoperative nutritional status is increasingly recognized as a determinant of postoperative outcomes in esophageal cancer patients. This study examines the relationship between preoperative nutritional scores, particularly the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), and the incidence of short-term postoperative complications. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted on patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer across two Surgical Departments at University Hospitals in Athens, Greece. Preoperative nutritional status was assessed using the PG-SGA score. Patients were categorized based on the PG-SGA score into low to medium risk with score of 8 or less, and high risk with score of 9 or higher. Postoperative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system, and their association with nutritional status was statistically assessed. Results This study included 59 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for esophageal cancer with female-to-male ratio of 1:4.9 and a median age of 65.4 ± 10.4 years, 43 (72.9%) of whom had received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Notable postoperative complications (Clavien- Dindo classification ≥III) occurred in 14 cases, including evisceration (n=1), hemorrhage (n=1), chyle leakage (n=1), anastomotic leak (n=8), pleural effusion requiring radiological intervention (n=2), and a persistent pneumothorax necessitating additional thoracic tube insertion (n=1). A statistically significant association was found between malnutrition, as indicated by the PG-SGA≥9, and the development of severe postoperative complications (Clavien- Dindo classification ≥III) (p = 0.034). Conclusion This study suggests that preoperative PG-SGA score is potentially significant predictors of short- term postoperative complications in esophageal cancer surgeries. Incorporating nutritional assessments into the preoperative evaluation may help identify high-risk patients and tailor perioperative care to improve surgical outcomes.

Použitie Watanabeho spigotov v manažmente bronchoezofageálnych fi stúl

Summary: Bronchoesophageal and bronchogastric fistulas are rare complications of thoracic surgery as esophagectomy, malignancy or prolonged endotracheal intubation. Although uncommon, their morbidity and mortality is substantial. Treatment of these fi stulas is challenging and often lengthy with limited success rates. Endoscopic treatment may be the treatment of choice for some types of fi stulas, but despite a variety of methods available, the success rate is relatively low with little consistent data about its eff ectiveness. At the same time, new technologies and devices have become available with a potential to address these complicated conditions. One of them are Watanabe spigots, initially used in pneumology for the treatment of persistent pneumothorax and pyothorax with bronchial fi stula. In the presented case reports Watanabe spigots are used in combination with over-the-scope clips in two of our patients with bronchoesophageal fi stulas fol lowing esophagectomy with promising results. We also present an overview of endoscopic methods of therapy in the context of and separately discuss available evidence about the possibilities of the use of Watanabeho spigots in the treatment of bronchoesophageal fi stulas. Key words: bronchoesophageal fi stula – Watanabe spigot – esophagectomy – over-the-scope clip

Silicosis, persistent pneumothorax, and respiratory failure: Grim consequences of galamsey

Silicosis, persistent pneumothorax, and respiratory failure: Grim consequences of galamsey

Successful Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis: A Safe and Useful Treatment for Persistent Pneumothorax in Former Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Aspergillosis in Pregnant Women

Background: Autologous Blood Patch Pleurodesis (ABPP) is one of the treatment options for persistent pleural air leaks especially in patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention. Persistence pneumothorax is defined as pneumothorax of more than five days duration. It is associated with increased morbidity and cost of care. The most widely accepted treatment for it is pleurodesis. Several types of pleurodesis have been proposed, including surgical approaches and the instillation of different chemicals in the intrapleural space. ABPP has proven to be a simple, inexpensive, efficacious and safe method. We present the case of the first patient with Persistent Pneumothorax we have treated Successfully with ABPP. ABPP is currently rarely and uncommonly used, but it provides benefits especially in special conditions with easier, cheaper, and quite effective procedures.
 Case: A female 35-year-old pregnant women patients with Former Tuberculosis (FTB) come to our hospital with complaints breathlessness and chest pain worsening since 3 days before admitted to our hospital. Chest radiography showed spontaneous pneumothorax with GeneXpert (GE) sputum Mtb Not Detected but there is Aspergillosis from Fungal Culture. Water Sealed Drainage (WSD) was inserted in right pleural for almost 1 month and this patient discharge with pneumostat. One month after that she come again with Persistence Pneumothotax, so that we do the pleurodesis with Blood Patch and get the improvement from clinical status. Antifungals are continued for an initial 4-6 weeks while an outpatient evaluation is conducted.
 Conclusion: ABPP is a safe, inexpensive and efficacious treatment for persistent pleural air leak. Autologous Blood Patch administration may be considered for patients with Persistent Pneumothorax.

Traumatic bronchial transection following blunt trauma in a teenager: A case report

Tracheobronchial injury (TBI) is an uncommon, life-threatening chest injury, particularly in children, that can occur as a result of iatrogenic or unintentional trauma. It can induce airway obstruction and precipitate life-threatening respiratory failure. However, clinical manifestations can vary, posing challenges in establishing a diagnosis. We report an 11-year-old male presented with respiratory difficulty and neck swelling immediately after falling from a height of 15 meters. Chest examination revealed absent air entry in the right lung and decreased air entry in the left lung. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a right-sided pneumothorax and a complete transection of the right main bronchus 7mm from the carina. Bilateral thoracostomy and chest tube insertion were performed. The patient was further evaluated by fibreoptic bronchoscope, which showed a complete transection of the right main bronchus. However, due to the progression of subcutaneous emphysema and persistent pneumothorax, the patient subsequently underwent surgical repair of the bronchial damage with a successful outcome. In conclusion, this case report presents a rare clinical entity of TBI in children. Heightened clinical suspicion, prompt stabilization, and multidisciplinary care involving healthcare specialists are essential for the survival of TBI patients. Often, a tailored surgical approach is necessary for definitive repair.

Persistent pneumothorax treatment following congenital cardiac surgery by platelet-fibrin glue.

Persistent pneumothorax is a life-threatening complication that can occur after congenital cardiac surgery. Traditional treatment such as chest tube drainage may not be effective in managing this condition. This study presents a new minimally invasive method for treating persistent pneumothorax using platelet-rich plasma-fibrin glue (PRP-FG). The method has been successful in treating postoperative chylothorax in previous studies, and its use has decreased morbidity, mortality, and hospital stay in chylothorax patients. Ten patients with persistent pneumothorax following cardiothoracic surgery (3 TAPVC, 2 d-TGA, 2 VSD + IAA,1 TRUNCUS + TAPVC, 1 VSD + COA, 1 GLENN), who did not respond to conservative management, underwent treatment with PRP-FG. Follow-up was done for a period of 1-4years. The age and diagnoses of pneumothorax after surgery were 85.5 ± 36.0days and 62.4 ± 34.3h, respectively. Persistent pneumothorax of 8 patients (80%) was cured completely after PRP-FG injection. PRP-FG therapy was failed in two patients who died. All cured patients had a normal life without any complications during follow-up. After PRP-FG injection, 3 patients stopped bubbling at one-time injection, 3 patients stopped bubbling at two-time injection, and 2 patients stopped bubbling at three-time injection. Two patients died during treatment; in these cases, one-time injections were done which was not successful. Persistent pneumothorax after congenital-cardiac surgery can be treated successfully with PRP-FG. This bedside minimal-invasive procedure may significantly decrease the morbidity and mortality rate. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of this promising treatment through multicentre clinical trials.

813 Management of Massive Air Leak with Persistent Pneumothorax and Pneumoperitoneum in a 1.2kg Preterm Neonate – a Case Report

Abstract Pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition with potential iatrogenic causes which can extend to pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. Risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax include prematurity, low birthweight, low APGAR scores and caesarean-section delivery. A 1255 grams preterm boy (Twin-2) was born at 28+3 weeks of gestation by emergency lower segment caesarean section. He showed signs of respiratory distress after uncomplicated endotracheal tube insertion which was required due to apnoeic episodes during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Recurring tube thoracocentesis and high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) treated persistent right-sided pneumothorax and nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum, with improvement on day-10, gradual removal of five chest drains by day-19 and extubation on day-24. Transillumination and chest radiography were main diagnostic investigations. Laryngotracheobronchoscopy on day-16 identified erythema and possible old injury at the carina. He was also treated for hypotension, suspected sepsis and pulmonary hypertension and was discharged home on day-66. Identifying pneumothorax promptly is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Lung ultrasound would improve diagnosis and monitoring. Management is patient-specific and includes needle and tube thoracocentesis and HFOV. Use of blood patch, fibrin glue or chemical agents, selective bronchial ventilation have been reported. Surgery is usually applied in unstable patients where bridging the defect is not feasible. nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum should be considered in ventilated neonates and those with airway injury to avoid exploratory laparotomy. Our case demonstrates challenges of managing a massive air leak in a premature newborn, who with adequate tube thoracocentesis and HFOV, successfully recovered from presumed iatrogenic persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum with conservative management.

Successful management of a persistent pneumothorax in a cat using an autologous blood patch pleurodesis

AbstractA 16‐year‐old, neutered, male cat presented to an emergency and specialty care facility for persistent pneumothorax. Bilateral thoracocentesis, biochemical and hematological evaluation, thoracic radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, heartworm antigen test and computed tomography scan were performed. No definitive cause of the pneumothorax was identified, making a diagnosis of spontaneous (idiopathic) pneumothorax most likely. Surgical exploration of the thorax was declined. Evacuation of the pleural space was performed for 4 days, without resolution of air accumulation. An autologous blood patch pleurodesis was performed on the fifth day. The pneumothorax resolved, and the patient was discharged from the hospital the following day. Recheck radiographs were performed 17 days after discharge, which confirmed resolution of pneumothorax. The patient was alive 1200 days after discharge, with no recurrent clinical signs. This case report demonstrates successful use of an autologous blood patch pleurodesis in a feline patient.

Utility of VATS in Thoracic Trauma: When? Why? and How?

Background: Thoracoscopy/VATS is an under utilized modality in thoracic trauma. In this article we aim to review the utility of thoracoscopy in chest trauma patients. We have also illustrated a case from our hospital, to demonstrate the effective use of VATS in trauma. Main Body: Indications for VATS in trauma can be divided into emergency, early and late, based on the timing of the intervention. In emergency situations, if the patient is hemodynamically stable, VATS can be used to control bleeding from the chest wall and intercostal vessels, it can also be useful for evacuation of clots, removal of foreign bodies, diagnosing diaphragmatic injuries and to visualize other internal organs of the thoracic cavity. In a delayed setting it can be used for evaluation and control of persistent pneumothorax, repair of lung lacerations and diaphragmatic injuries and also for fixing rib fractures. Uniportal VATS is a new technology that is coming up quickly, but is yet to be proven superior to traditional 3 port VATS in chest trauma. Conclusion: VATS is an important tool in the armamentarium of surgeons involved in dealing with chest trauma. However, it is not a substitute for emergency thoracotomy, but can only be a supplement to it.

Simulation in thoracic surgery-A mini review of a vital educational tool to maximize peri-operative care and minimize complications.

Thoracic surgery is an increasingly expanding field, and the addition of national screening programs has resulted in increasing operative numbers and complexity. Thoracic surgery overall has an approximately 2% mortality and 20% morbidity with common specific complications including persistent air leak, pneumothorax, and fistulas. The nature of the surgery results in complications being unique to thoracic surgery and often very junior members of the surgical team feel underprepared to deal with these complications after very little exposure during their medical school and general surgical rotations. Throughout medicine, simulation is being increasingly used as a method to teach the management of complicated, rare, or significant risk occurrences and has shown significant benefits in learner confidence and outcomes. In this mini review we explain the learning theory and benefits of simulation learning. We also discuss the current state of simulation in thoracic surgery and its potential future in aiding complication management and patient safety.

Pneumothorax after computed tomography-guided lung biopsy: Utility of immediate post-procedure computed tomography and one-hour delayed chest radiography.

To evaluate the utility of immediate post-procedure computed tomography (IPP-CT) and routine one-hour chest radiography (1HR-CXR) for detecting and managing pneumothorax in patients undergoing computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. All CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies performed between May 2014 and August 2021 at a single institution were included. Data from 275 procedures performed on 267 patients (147 men; mean age: 63.5 ± 14.1 years; range 18-91 years) who underwent routine 1HR-CXR were reviewed. Incidences of pneumothorax and procedure-related complications on IPP-CT and 1HR-CXR were recorded. Associated variables, including tract embolization methods, needle diameter/type, access site, lesion size, needle tract distance, and number of biopsy samples obtained were analyzed and compared between groups with and without pneumothorax. Post-procedure complications included pneumothorax (30.9%, 85/275) and hemoptysis (0.7%, 2/275). Pneumothorax was detected on IPP-CT and 1HR-CXR in 89.4% (76/85) and 100% (85/85), respectively. A chest tube was placed in 4% (11/275) of the cases. In 3.3% (9/275) of the cases, delayed pneumothorax was detected only on 1HR-CXR, but no patient in this group necessitated chest tube placement. The incidence of pneumothorax was not significantly different between tract embolization methods (p = 0.36), needle diameters (p = 0.36) and types (p = 0.33), access sites (p = 0.07), and lesion sizes (p = 0.88). On logistic regression, a lower biopsy sample number (OR = 0.49) was a protective factor, but a longer needle tract distance (OR = 1.16) was a significant risk factor for pneumothorax. Following CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsy, pneumothorax detected on IPP-CT strongly indicates persistent pneumothorax on 1HR-CXR and possible chest tube placement. If no pneumothorax is identified on IPP-CT, follow-up 1HR-CXR may be required only for those who develop symptoms of pneumothorax.

Autologous blood patch pleurodesis for management of persistent pneumothorax in a dog with metastatic osteosarcoma

AbstractA 10‐year‐old, neutered, male Pitbull was presented to the oncology service with dyspnoea, approximately 16 months after treatment with amputation and chemotherapy for appendicular osteosarcoma, and 4 months after development of diffuse pulmonary metastatic disease. Thoracic radiographs diagnosed bilateral pneumothorax, presumed secondary to metastatic osteosarcoma. The pneumothorax was refractory to conservative management, and two autologous blood patch pleurodesis procedures were performed 48 hours apart, according to a previously published protocol. Marked radiographic improvement was evident within 24 hours of the autologous blood patch pleurodesis procedures, and the dog was discharged 6 days after initial presentation. Approximately 13 weeks later, the dog was humanely euthanased due to progressive clinical signs. This report describes the development of spontaneous persistent pneumothorax secondary to osteosarcoma metastatic disease in a dog, and its palliation with autologous blood patch pleurodesis. This case demonstrates that autologous blood patch pleurodesis can be considered as a treatment option for pneumothorax secondary to metastatic disease in dogs.

Cold coagulation in thoracoscopic treatment of primary pneumothorax: a comparison with apicectomy

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is a common disease, whose surgical treatment is still enigmatic in terms of timing and technique. Herein, we reported our experience with the parenchymal-sparing technique via cold coagulation (CC), in comparison to stapler apicectomy (SA). We retrospectively collected data of all patients with apical blebs or <2 cm bullae treated with minimally invasive surgery for recurrent or persistent spontaneous pneumothorax, from 2010 to 2020. Two different surgical techniques were used: SA and the parenchymal-sparing CC of the apex. Perioperative and long-term results were analysed and compared. Out of 177 patients enrolled, 77 patients (CC group) underwent cold-coagulation of the apex while 100 patients (SA group) were treated with SA. Two groups were comparable in terms of age, surgical indication, intraoperative findings and affected side. CC group had a mean operative time of 43.2 min (standard deviation ± 19.5), shorter than SA group with 49.3 min (standard deviation ± 20.1, P-value: 0.050). Complication rate was significantly different between 2 groups, 5 (7%) and 16 (16%), for the CC and SA groups, respectively (P: 0.048), even if not in terms of prolonged postoperative air leak (P: 0.16). During the follow-up, 13 homolateral recurrences were reported: 2 (3%) in group CC and 11 (11%) in group SA; with a significant difference (P: 0.044). All reinterventions (postoperative prolonged air leak and recurrences) required an SA. Parenchymal-sparing technique through CC of apical blebs and bullae is an effective treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and guarantees a good immediate lung sealing, despite stapling still represents the choice treatment in complex cases.

Management of massive air leak with persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum in a 1.2kg preterm neonate: A case report

Background: Pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition with potential iatrogenic causes which can extend to pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum. Risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax include prematurity, low birth weight, low APGAR scores, and cesarean-section delivery. Case Presentation: A 1255 grams preterm boy (Twin-2) was born at 28+3 weeks of gestation by emergency lower segment cesarean section. He showed signs of respiratory distress after uncomplicated endotracheal tube insertion which was required due to apneic episodes during continuous positive airway pressure ventilation. Recurring tube thoracocentesis and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) treated persistent right-sided pneumothorax and nonsurgical pneumoperitoneum, with improvement on day 10, gradual removal of five chest drains by day 19, and extubation on day 24. Transillumination and chest radiography were the main diagnostic investigations. Laryngotracheobronchoscopy on day 16 identified erythema and possible old injury at the carina. He was also treated for hypotension, suspected sepsis, and pulmonary hypertension and was discharged home on day 66. Conclusion: Identifying pneumothorax promptly is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality. Management is patient-specific and includes needle and tube thoracocentesis and often, mechanical ventilation. Our case demonstrates the challenges of managing a massive air leak in a premature newborn, who with adequate tube thoracocentesis and HFOV, successfully recovered from presumed iatrogenic persistent pneumothorax and pneumoperitoneum.

AFTERMATH OF AN INSIDIOUS SEVERE INFECTION: A CLINICAL CHALLENGE

AFTERMATH OF AN INSIDIOUS SEVERE INFECTION: A CLINICAL CHALLENGE

FROM ALL LUNG TO ALL AIR: A CASE OF IATROGENIC FUNCTIONAL PNEUMONECTOMY

FROM ALL LUNG TO ALL AIR: A CASE OF IATROGENIC FUNCTIONAL PNEUMONECTOMY

Distinctive clinical features of spontaneous pneumoperitoneum in neonates: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUNDSpontaneous pneumoperitoneum (SP) without gastrointestinal perforation rarely occurs in neonates, with most SP cases being idiopathic. Although SP usually follows a benign clinical course with favorable prognosis, it can become life-threatening in certain situations. In these cases, urgent surgical intervention may be required. Therefore, it may be difficult to decide when or how to perform prompt interventions. AIMTo demonstrate the distinct clinical features of SP to guide appropriate management by comparing characteristics between SP and typical pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastrointestinal perforation.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records and identified 37 neonates with radiological evidence of pneumoperitoneum who were treated at our institution. Clinical variables were compared between neonates with SP without gastrointestinal perforation (Group A) and those with pneumoperitoneum secondary to gastrointestinal perforation (Group B). Clinical variables between groups were compared using Student’s t-test and the chi-square test. The risk factors related to mortality were examined using multi-logistic regression analysis.RESULTSGroup A comprised 35.1% (13/37) of the patients. The frequency of persistent pulmonary hypertension (53.8%) and pneumothorax (46.2%) before the development of pneumoperitoneum was significantly higher in group A than in group B (P = 0.004). Platelet count and partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) were significantly lower in group A (P = 0.015 and 0.025, respectively). Overall mortality was significantly higher in group A than in group B (76.9% vs 16.7%, P = 0.001). Only preterm infants were significantly associated with high mortality (P = 0.041; odds ratio = 18.0). Accompaniment with persistent pulmonary hypertension and pneumothorax were also significantly high (P = 0.004) in group A, but these were not strongly associated with high mortality.CONCLUSIONThis study identified a higher mortality rate in patients with SP than that described in previous reports. Neonates with SP were more likely to have thrombocytopenia, pneumothorax, and persistent pulmonary hypertension. Prematurity was the most significant factor affecting mortality.

Safety and efficacy of vacuum bottle plus catheter for drainage of iatrogenic pneumothorax

BackgroundIatrogenic pneumothorax is common after thoracic procedures. For patients with pneumothorax larger than 15%, simple aspiration is suggested. Although vacuum bottle plus non-tunneled catheter drainage has been performed in many institutions, its safety and efficacy remain to be assessed.MethodsThrough this prospective cohort study (NCT03724721), we evaluated the safety and efficacy of vacuum bottle plus non-tunneled catheter drainage. Patients older than 20 years old who developed post-procedural pneumothorax were enrolled. A non-tunneled catheter was placed at the intersection of the midclavicular line and the second intercostal space. A 3-way stopcock, a drainage set, and a digital pressure gauge were connected. The stopcock was manipulated to connect the pleural space to the pressure gauge for measurement of end-expiration intrapleural pressure or to the vacuum bottle for air drainage. The rate of successful drainage, the end-expiration intrapleural pressure before, during, and after the procedure and the duration of hospitalization were recorded.ResultsFrom August 2018 to February 2020, 21 patients underwent vacuum bottle plus catheter drainage (intervention group) and 31 patients received conservative treatment (control group). The end-expiration intrapleural pressure of all patients remained less than − 20 cmH2O during drainage. No procedure related complication was observed. Large pneumothorax (≥ 15%) was associated with higher risk of persistent air leak (Odds ratio 12, 95% CI 1.2–569.7). Vacuum bottle assisted air drainage yielded shorter event-free duration than that of conservative treatment (2 days vs 5 days [interquartile range 1–4 days vs 3–7 days], p < .05). Vacuum bottle assisted air drainage also help identifying patients with persistent pneumothorax and necessitate the subsequent management. The event-free duration of persistent air leak in the intervention group was also comparable with that of conservative treatment (5 days vs 5 days [interquartile range 5–8 days vs 3–7 days], p = .45).ConclusionsVacuum bottle plus catheter drainage of iatrogenic pneumothorax is a safe and efficient procedure. It may be considered as an alternative management of stable post-procedural pneumothorax with size larger than 15%.Trial registration The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of National Taiwan University Hospital (No. 201805105DINA) on 6th August, 2018. The first participant was enrolled on 23rd August, 2018 after Research Ethics Committee approval. This clinical trial complete registration at U.S. National Library of Medicine clinicaltrials.gov with identifier NCT03724721 and URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03724721 on 30th October, 2018.

Interventional closure of a bronchopleural fistula in a 2 year old child with detachable coils

BackgroundBronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a severe complication following pneumonia or pulmonary surgery, resulting in persistent air leakage (PAL) and pneumothorax. Surgical options include resection, coverage of the fistula by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), or pleurodesis. Interventional bronchoscopy is preferred in complex cases and involves the use of sclerosants, sealants and occlusive valve devices.Case presentationA 2.5-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital with persistent fever, cough and dyspnoea. Clinical and radiological examination revealed right-sided pneumonia and pleural effusion. The child was started on antibiotics, and the effusion was drained by pleural drainage. Following removal of the chest tube, the child developed tension pneumothorax. Despite insertion of a new drain, the air leak persisted. Thoracoscopic debridement with placement of another new drain was performed after 4 weeks, without abolishment of the air leak. Bronchoscopy with bronchography revealed a BPF in right lung segment 3 (right upper-lobe anterior bronchus). We opted for an interventional approach that was performed under general anaesthesia during repeat bronchoscopy. Following bronchographic visualisation of the fistula, a 2.7 French microcatheter was placed in right lung segment 3 (upper lobe), allowing occlusion of the fistula by successive implantation of 4 detachable high-density packing volume coils, which were placed into the fistula. Subsequent bronchography revealed no evidence of residual leakage, and the chest tube was removed 2 days later. The chest X-ray findings normalized, and follow-up over 4 years was uneventful.ConclusionsBronchoscopic superselective occlusion of BPF using detachable high-density packing large-volume coils was a successful minimally invasive therapeutic intervention performed with minimal trauma in this child and has not been reported thus far. In our small patient, the short interventional time, localized intervention and minimal damage in the lung seemed superior to the corresponding outcomes of surgical lobectomy or pleurodesis in a young growing lung, enabling normal development of the surrounding tissue. Follow-up over 4 years did not show any side effects and was uneventful, with normal lung-function test results to date.

Endobronchial valve use in COVID-19 related pneumothorax and persistent air leak.

Pneumothoraces may occur rarely in coronavirus (COVID-19) patients, often resulting from a combination of fibrotic parenchymal changes and prolonged high-pressure ventilation. Very few studies have been published describing the management of pneumothorax in the novel COVID-19 pneumonia patients. Although chest drain insertion represents the first line of treatment, a persistent pneumothorax and air leak requiring intervention could be managed by a thoracoscopic procedure or, as is the case here, by endobronchial valve insertion. Endobronchial valve insertion is a minimally invasive technique that provides a treatment option in patients with severe parenchymal COVID-19 related lung disease. As far as the authors are aware this is the first report of the use of endobronchial valves in a COVID-19 patient.