An unusual case of pneumorrhachis following resection of lung carcinoma.
We report an unusual case of a patient with a bronchopleural-subcutaneous fistula that occurred 3 years following a lobectomy and en bloc chest wall resection for carcinoma. Following a sudden resolution of subcutaneous emphysema, an epidural air collection developed. Spontaneous pneumorrhachis is a previously unreported late complication after surgical or radiation therapy for lung carcinoma.
Ristagno
Ross L
RL
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA. ristango@cinci.rr.com
Hiratzka
Loren F
LF
Rost
Raymond C
RC
D000388:Air; D001983:Bronchial Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D015505:Chest Tubes; D017577:Cutaneous Fistula / Q000209:etiology; D004824:Epidural Space; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D011013:Pneumonectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016156:Respiratory Tract Fistula / Q000209:etiology*; D012272:Ribs / Q000601:surgery; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures