title: Spontaneous pneumothorax in cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis.
abstract: The prevalence of spontaneous pneumothorax was studied in 82 patients with cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis. In 46 patients the disease affected only the lung ('lone' fibrosing alveolitis); in the remaining 36 patients the interstitial lung disease was associated with several systemic diseases ('associated' fibrosing alveolitis). 3 patients with the 'lone' form had a spontaneous pneumothorax. This figure represents a prevalence of 3.6%. We did not observe this complication in any patient with the associated form. Suction drainage was ineffective in the 3 patients. One of them died as a consequence of pleural infection. In the other 2 subjects thoracotomy, resection of blebs and pleurectomy were required.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D011658:Pulmonary Fibrosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests
chemical_list: D011241:Prednisone