The risk of iatrogenic pneumothorax after electromyography.
BACKGROUND
Pneumothorax is a potentially serious complication of electromyography (EMG). Data on the frequency of pneumothorax after EMG are lacking. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency, timing, and risk factors for iatrogenic pneumothorax after EMG.


METHODS
Cases of pneumothorax after EMG were reviewed for clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological data.


RESULTS
Of 64,490 EMG studies, 7 patients had an association between the EMG and pneumothorax. All patients were symptomatic and presented within 24 hours of EMG. Sampling of serratus anterior and diaphragm was causative in 1 patient each. In 5 patients, multiple high-risk muscles were sampled. The highest frequency of pneumothorax was observed with examination of serratus anterior (0.445%) and diaphragm (0.149%).


CONCLUSIONS
The frequency of symptomatic iatrogenic pneumothorax after EMG appears to be low, and examinations of serratus anterior and diaphragm carry the highest risk. Electromyographers should be aware of the risk of pneumothorax and should counsel patients accordingly.
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA.
Charles D
CD
Kassardjian
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA.
Cullen M
CM
O'gorman
Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street, Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, USA.
Eric J
EJ
Sorenson
D000293:Adolescent; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004576:Electromyography / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000502:physiology; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D055815:Young Adult
EMG; complications; patient safety; pneumothorax; quality improvement