The development of a persistent air leak after pneumothorax can be encountered in patients with underlying structural lung disease. In those with advanced malignancy or other comorbidities, the ability to tolerate general anesthesia and thoracoscopic procedures may limit definitive management. We describe the case of a 68-y-old male with refractory acute myelogenous leukemia presenting with recurrent secondary spontaneous pneumothorax and persistent air leak related to an underlying fungal pneumonia. Endobronchial valve placement allowed for timely chest tube removal and discharge from the hospital, as well as avoidance of a thoracoscopic procedure and pleurodesis.
CerfolioRJ, TummalaRP, HolmanWL, ZornGL, KirklinJK, McGiffinDC, et al. A prospective algorithm for the management of air leaks after pulmonary resection. Ann Thorac Surg, 1998; 66(5):1726–1731.
2.
GillespieCT, StermanDH, CerfolioRJ, NaderD, MulliganMS, MularskiRA, et al. Endobronchial valve treatment for prolonged air leaks of the lung: a case series. Ann Thorac Surg, 2011; 91(1):270–273.
3.
TravalineJM, McKennaRJJr, De GiacomoT, VenutaF, HazelriggSR, BoomerM, et al. Treatment of persistent pulmonary air leaks using endobronchial valves. Chest, 2009; 136(2):355–360.
4.
MahajanAK, DoeingDC, HogarthDK. Isolation of persistent air leaks and placement of intrabronchial valves. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2013; 145(3):626–630.
5.
BaumannMH, StrangeC, HeffnerJE, LightR, KirbyTJ, KleinJ, et al. Management of spontaneous pneumothorax: an American College of Chest Physicians Delphi consensus statement. CHEST, 2001; 119(2):590–602.
6.
RoseEA, GelijnsAC, MoskowitzAJ, HeitjanDF, StevensonLW, DembitskyW, et al. Long-term use of a left ventricular assist device for end-stage heart failure. N Engl J Med, 2001; 345(20):1435–1443.
7.
YamakawaM, KyoS, YamakawaS, OnoM, KinugawaK, NishimuraT. Destination therapy: the new gold standard treatment for heart failure patients with left ventricular assist devices. Gen Thorac Cardiovasc Surg, 2013; 61(3):111–117.
