title: Fatal bilateral pneumothoraces following administration of aerosolised pentamidine.
abstract: Aerosolised pentamidine (AP) is used for prophylaxis against infection with Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii), a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this article we report a 55 year old man with HIV and a background history of asthma since childhood, who suffered respiratory arrest and died within an hour of commencing AP prophylaxis. Autopsy revealed bilateral pneumothoraces. Common side effects of AP therapy include bronchospasm and coughing. Pneumothorax has been reported in several cases. To our knowledge, this is the first reported fatality from bilateral pneumothoraces.
authors: Queensland Health Forensic and Scientific Services, QLD 4108, Australia.
authors: Alison
authors: A
authors: Green
authors: Nathan
authors: N
authors: Milne
authors: Beng Beng
authors: BB
authors: Ong
mesh_terms: D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010419:Pentamidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016720:Pneumocystis Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000150:complications
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D010419:Pentamidine