title: [Spontaneous pneumothorax in children].
abstract: Spontaneous pneumothorax is rare in childhood. Before 12 years of age the main underlying pathologies are asthma, cystic malformations, post infectious bullae, and infectious pneumoniae. After 12 years of age it is mainly associated with cystic fibrosis and constitutional slim morphology. Symptoms vary according to the extent of lung collapse and the diagnosis is confirmed on chest X rays. In mildly symptomatic pneumothorax, spontaneous resolution is achieved within few days. When cardiorespiratory difficulties are present, mechanical evacuation of air from the pleural cavity is necessary through a tube drainage maintained until complete pulmonary reexpansion. Surgical treatment is indicated in case of persisting air leakage after one week of efficient drainage, large cystic malformation or post infectious bullae, recurring or bilateral pneumothorax.
authors.affiliation: Service de chirurgie infantile, CHD Félix Guyon, Saint-Denis, La Réunion.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Michel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012008:Recurrence