Neumotórax espontáneo bilateral en primigestante adolescente, reporte de un caso / Spontaneous bilateral pneumothorax in a primigestant adolescent, a case report

El neumotórax espontáneo es una patología extremadamente rara durante la gestación. Se define como la presencia de aire dentro de la cavidad pleural que puede generar principalmente dolor torácico y disnea. Esta patología tiene unas bajas incidencia y prevalencia en el embarazo, pero es relevante por una alta tasa de recurrencia, con un buen pronóstico para la madre y el feto si es tempranamente diagnosticada y oportunamente manejada. Se relaciona con factores de riesgo como las maniobras de Valsalva efectuadas durante el trabajo de parto, además de con comorbilidad como el tabaquismo, y con el biotipo longilíneo, entre otros, por lo que son muy importantes una adecuada anamnesis y la evaluación de la exploración física. El obstetra debe sospecharlo ante la clínica de dolor torácico asociado a disnea en gestantes en el trabajo de parto y el parto, y tenerlo en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial. Es de vital importancia tener un manejo multidisciplinario compuesto por ginecoobstetra, internista, neumólogo y neonatólogo, incluido el apoyo por una unidad de cuidado intensivo para evitar complicaciones materno-perinatales que se puedan asociar al neumotórax espontáneo.

Spontaneous pneumothorax is an extremely rare pathology during pregnancy. It is defined as the presence of air inside the pleural cavity that can mainly generate chest pain and dyspnea. This pathology has a low incidence and prevalence in pregnancy, but a high rate of recurrence with a good prognosis for the mother and the fetus if it is diagnosed early and managed early. It is related to risk factors such as Valsalva maneuvers performed during labor, in addition to comorbidities such as smoking, longilinear biotype, among others, so it is very important to have an adequate history and evaluation of the physical examination. The obstetrician must be attentive to chest pain symptoms associated with dyspnea in pregnant women during labor and delivery, suspect this pathology and take it into account as a differential diagnosis. It is vitally important to have a multidisciplinary management composed of the gynecologist-obstetrician, internist, pulmonologist, neonatologist, including the support of an intensive care unit to avoid maternal-perinatal complications that may be associated with spontaneous pneumothorax.

Neumotórax espontáneo / Spontaneous pneumothorax

Introducción: El neumotórax espontáneo es la causa más frecuente de ingreso urgente en los servicios de cirugía torácica. Objetivo: Caracterizar a pacientes ingresados con diagnóstico de neumotórax espontáneo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de 93 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y radiológico de neumotórax espontáneo, se establecieron las variables del estudio y se utilizaron frecuencias absolutas y porcentajes. Para la asociación de las variables se empleó el estadígrafo ji cuadrado con un nivel de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento. Resultados: Predominó el neumotórax espontáneo primario (65,5 por ciento), el sexo masculino fue el más afectado (80,6 por ciento), con mayor frecuencia en el hemitórax derecho (72,2 por ciento) y el tabaquismo como antecedente (83,9 por ciento). La pleurostomía mínima fue el tratamiento definitivo en el 72 por ciento de los pacientes. La complicación más frecuente después de la pleurostomía, fue la fuga persistente de aire. El tratamiento quirúrgico con pleurodesis mecánica, ofreció un 100 por ciento de efectividad. La mortalidad quirúrgica fue nula. Conclusiones: El neumotórax espontáneo predomina en el sexo masculino en una proporción de 4,2:1, en pacientes menores de 40 años de edad. El antecedente patológico personal que más se asocia es la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. El síntoma predominante es el dolor torácico. El neumotórax espontáneo primario fue más frecuente y el hemitórax derecho el más afectado. El tabaquismo está presente como antecedente en ambos tipos de neumotórax espontáneo. La modalidad de tratamiento más utilizada es la pleurostomía mínima(AU)

Introduction: Spontaneous pneumothorax is the most frequent cause of urgent admission to thoracic surgery services. Objective: To characterize patients admitted with a diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax. Methods: A descriptive study of 93 patients with a clinical and radiological diagnosis of spontaneous pneumothorax was carried out, the study variables were established and absolute frequencies and percentages were used. For the association of the variables, the chi square statistic was used with a confidence level of 95 percent. Results: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax predominated (65.5 percent), the male sex was the most affected (80.6 percent), with greater frequency in the right hemithorax (72.2 percent) and smoking as the antecedent (83.9 percent). Minimal pleurostomy was the definitive treatment in 72 percent of the patients. The most frequent complication after pleurostomy was persistent air leak. Surgical treatment with mechanical pleurodesis offered 100 percent effectiveness. There was not surgical mortality. Conclusions: Spontaneous pneumothorax predominated in males in a ratio of 4.2: 1, in patients under 40 years of age. The most associated personal pathological history was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The predominant symptom was chest pain. Primary spontaneous pneumothorax was more frequent and the right hemithorax the most affected. Smoking was present as a history in both types of spontaneous pneumothorax. The most widely used treatment modality was minimal pleurostomy(AU)

Neumotórax espontáneo bilateral metastásico. Inusual manifestación de metástasis pulmonar / Spontaneous metastatic bilateral pneumothorax. Unusual manifestation of lung metastasis

Resumen Objetivo: Comunicar el caso de una paciente de 77 años tratada de un angiosarcoma de cuero cabelludo, que evoluciona con neumotórax bilateral, cuyo estudio histopatológico informa enfermedad metastásica. Materiales y Método: Revisión de ficha clínica electrónica, registro informático de imagenología e informes de biopsias. Seguimiento ambulatorio en policlínico de cirugía. Resultados: Se realiza manejo por videotoracoscopía bilateral, con bulectomía más pleurodesis. Discusión: El neumotórax secundario por enfermedad metastásica es poco frecuente, aproximadamente 1% a 2% de los casos. De los tumores que más frecuentemente metastizan al pulmón se encuentran los sarcomas. Conclusión: El neumotórax metastásico es poco frecuente y requiere un alto índice de sospecha. Su manejo va a depender del pronóstico y de las condiciones generales del paciente.

Aim: To report the case of a 77-year-old patient treated for angiosarcoma of the scalp, who evolves with bilateral pneumothorax, whose histopathological study reports metastatic disease. Materials and Method: Review of electronic clinical record, computerized imaging record and biopsy reports. Outpatient follow-up at the polyclinic of surgery. Results: Management was performed by bilateral videothoracoscopy, with bulectomy plus pleurodesis. Discussion: Secondary pneumothorax due to metastatic disease is rare, approximately 1 to 2% of cases. Sarcomas are among the tumors that most frequently metastasize to the lung. Conclusion: Metastatic pneumothorax is infrequent and requires a high index of suspicion. Its management will depend on the prognosis and the general conditions of the patient.

Resultados del tratamiento con pleurostomía en pacientes con neumotórax espontáneo / Outcomes of Pleurostomy Treatment in Patients with Spontaneous Pneumothorax

RESUMEN Introducción: La presencia de aire dentro de la cavidad pleural es definida como neumotórax. El tratamiento quirúrgico inicial es la pleurostomía, que puede acarrear complicaciones, relacionadas con varios factores, entre los cuales se encuentra el diámetro de la sonda intratorácica utilizada. Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados del tratamiento con pleurostomía en pacientes con neumotórax espontáneo en el Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo desde septiembre de 2012 hasta septiembre de 2017. Se estudiaron 63 pacientes afectos de neumotórax espontáneos que recibieron pleurostomía como tratamiento inicial. Resultados: Los neumotórax espontáneos primarios representaron 56 por ciento de los casos. Del total de pacientes, 82 por ciento eran fumadores. En todos los pacientes el síntoma predominante fue el dolor. Las complicaciones fueron más frecuentes con el uso de sondas pleurales de menor diámetro (86 por ciento). Conclusiones: El neumotórax espontáneo primario fue el de mayor frecuencia. Las causas predominantes en el neumotórax secundario fueron las bulas de enfisema y la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. En la totalidad de los casos, estuvo presente algunos de los síntomas del síndrome pleural con predominancia absoluta del dolor. El mayor número de complicaciones se presentó en pacientes fumadores(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: The presence of air within the pleural cavity is defined as pneumothorax. The initial surgical treatment is pleurostomy, which can lead to complications associated with several factors, among which is the diameter of the intrathoracic probe that is used. Objective: To evaluate the outcomes of the treatment with pleurostomy in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax at Manuel Ascunce Domenech University Hospital. Method: A retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive study was conducted from September 2012 to September 2017. We studied 63 patients affected by spontaneous pneumothorax who received pleurostomy as initial treatment. Results: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax accounted for 56 percent of the cases. From the total amount of patients, 82 percent were smokers. In all patients, the predominant symptom was pain. Complications were more frequent with the use of pleural probes of smaller diameter (86 percent). The primary spontaneous pneumothorax was the most frequent. The predominant causes of secondary pneumothorax were bullous emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In all the cases, some of the symptoms of pleural syndrome with absolute predominance of pain were present. The greatest number of complications occurred in smoking patients. Conclusions: Pleurostomy, with the use of the drainage catheter, is the initial treatment for all patients with spontaneous pneumothorax in our hospital, regardless of the diameter of the probe to be used according to the type of pneumothorax (primary or secondary)(AU)

Neumotórax catamenial. presentación de un caso / Pneumotórax catamenial. apresentação do caso / Catamenial pneumothorax. case presentation

Se reportó un caso de paciente femenina, mestiza de 29 años de edad con antecedentes de hipotiroidismo y conización por neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grado II, que realizó tres neumotórax en un plazo de 2 años, estando en reposo y durante el segundo día del ciclo menstrual. Es ingresada en la sala de Neumología del Hospital General "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso", con el diagnóstico probable de neumotórax secundario a endometriosis pleural. Se le realizó videotoracoscopia y laparoscopia con toma de muestra para estudio histológico. Se estableció el diagnóstico definitivo de neumotórax catamenial, se le hizo pleurodesis química con talco, tratamiento hormonal y antiinflamatorios no esteroideos (AINES), con lo que presentó una evolución satisfactoria(AU)

A case of a 29-year-old female, mixed race patient with a history of hypothyroidism and conization due to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade II was reported, who performed three pneumothorax within 2 years, being at rest and during the second day of the menstrual cycle. She is admitted to the Pulmonology ward of the General Hospital Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso, with the probable diagnosis of pneumothorax secondary to pleural endometriosis. He underwent videotoracoscopy and laparoscopy with sampling for histological study. The definitive diagnosis of catamenial pneumothorax was established, chemical pleurodesis was made with talc, hormonal treatment and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which presented a satisfactory evolution(AU)

Foi relatado o caso de uma paciente do sexo feminino, 29 anos, de raça mista, com história de hipotireoidismo e conização por neoplasia intraepitelial cervical grau II, que realizou três pneumotórax em 2 anos, estando em repouso e durante o segundo dia do ciclo menstrual. Ela é internada na enfermaria de Pneumologia do Hospital Geral "Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso", com provável diagnóstico de pneumotórax secundário à endometriose pleural. Foi submetido a videotoracoscopia e laparoscopia com amostragem para estudo histológico. Foi estabelecido o diagnóstico definitivo de pneumotórax catamenial, realizada pleurodese química com talco, tratamento hormonal e antiinflamatórios não esteróides (AINEs), que apresentaram evolução satisfatória(AU)

Edema pulmonar agudo grave secundario a tratamiento de neumotórax espontáneo primario: caso clínico / Pulmonary expansion edema during the management of a spontaneous pneumothorax: report of one case

Pulmonary expansion edema is a rare complication of the management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. We report a 20 year old male admitted with a right primary spontaneous pneumothorax. A chest tube connected to a water seal was placed, achieving lung expansion. Immediately, the patient presented hypotension and a reduction in arterial oxygen saturation to 78%. Non-invasive ventilation was started. A chest X ray showed extensive right lung edema. The patient was managed with noradrenaline and albumin infusion with good response. Pulmonary edema resolved on day 3 but air leak was persistant so, the patient required surgery to excise apical bullae in the right lung. He was discharged during the following days in good condition.

Neumotórax espontáneo debido a bulas subpleurales: presentacion de un caso / Spontaneous pneumothorax and subpleural bulla: case report

Pneumothorax is defined as the presence of air within the pleural cavity. It may be traumatic, iatrogenic, spontaneous secondary or primary. In the latter cause, the most frequent are subpleural and apical bulla in longiline patients, with connective tissue diseases and smokers. Treatment should be conservative in patients who present a small pneumothorax. Instead, a probe should be installed if it is greater. In the presence of frequent recurrences or persistent air leakage, pleurodesis should be considered, or resection of the bullous should be practiced. In this article we review a patient with Elhers Danlos syndrome, who presents a primary spontaneous pneumothorax due to subpleural bulla

El neumotórax se define como la presencia de aire dentro de la cavidad pleural. Puede ser traumático, iatrogénico, espontáneo secundario o primario, dentro de esta última causa la más frecuente son las bulas subpleurales y apicales, en pacientes longilíneos, portadores de enfermedades del tejido conectivo y fumadores. En neumotórax pequeños el tratamiento debe ser conservador, en cambio en los de mayor cuantía se debe proceder a la instalación de una sonda pleural. Frente a recidivas frecuentes o persistencia del escape aéreo, se debe considerar la pleurodesis o bien practicar la resección de las bulas.En el presente artículo se reporta a un paciente con síndrome de Elhers Danlos que presenta un neumotórax espontáneo primario debido a bulas subpleurales.

Pleurodesis con sangre autóloga en neumotórax espontaneo secundario con fuga aérea persistente / Autologous blood pleurodesis in secondary spontaneous pneumothorax with persistent air leak

Introducción: El neumotórax espontáneo secundario (NES) es la presencia de aire en la cavidad pleural con ausencia de traumatismo, asociado a alguna enfermedad pulmonar subyacente. La pleurodesis es considerada una alternativa al tratamiento de esta patología. La fuga aérea persistente o masiva es una complicación importante del NES, donde la utilización de pleurodesis con sangre autóloga constituye una opción conveniente en pacientes con alto riesgo quirúrgico. Objetivos: Se propuso describir las características de pacientes con NES tratados con pleurodesis con sangre autóloga en Hospital Regional de Concepción. Pacientes y método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, período enero 2012 - enero 2015. Se realizó una revisión de base de datos, protocolos quirúrgicos y fichas clínicas, seguimiento clínico a 36 meses, donde se describieron características clínicas, morbimortalidad, resultados inmediatos y tardíos. Resultados: Del total de pacientes (n=7), 5 (71,4 %) fueron hombres, con edad promedio de 60,7±8,2 años. La causa del NES fue mayoritariamente enfermedad pulmonar difusa en seis pacientes (85,7 %). Se realizaron siete pleurodesis con sangre autóloga sin necesidad de repetir el procedimiento. Se observó cierre de fístula en el 100 % de los pacientes. Al seguimiento no se observó necesidad de nuevos procedimientos. Discusión: La pleurodesis con sangre autóloga es un tratamiento efectivo y seguro en el manejo de la fuga aérea persistente o masiva, con adecuados resultados inmediatos y tardíos en casos seleccionados.

Introduction: Secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (NES) is pleural air occupation without trauma associated with the presence of some underlying lung disease. Pleurodesis is considered an alternative to the treatment of this disease. Persistent or massive air leak is a major complication of NES, where the use of pleurodesis with autologous blood is an accepted option in patients with high surgical risk and air leak. Objetive: Describe characteristics of patients with NES treated with pleurodesis with autologous blood in Hospital Regional of Concepción. Patients and methods: Cross-sectional descriptive study period January 2012- January 2015. It`s made a review of Database, surgical protocols and review medical records, 36 months' clinical follow-up. Description of clinical features, morbidity and mortality, immediate and remote results. Results: Of all patients (n=7), 5 (71.4 %) were males, mean age 60.7 ± 8.2 years. The cause of NES was predominantly diffuse lung disease in 6 (85.7%) patients. Seven pleurodesis with autologous blood were performed without repeating the procedure. Fistula closure was observed in 100% of patients. In follow the need for new procedures wasn't observed. Discussion: Pleurodesis with autologous blood is an effective and safe treatment in the management of persistent or massive air leak, with immediate and remote adequate results.

Pneumotórax no trauma torácico fechado: abordagem inicial e tratamento / Pneumotorrax in closed thoracic trauma: initial approach and treatment

O pneumotórax é uma das complicações mais comuns do trauma torácico fechado. O objetivo deste artigo é fazer uma revisão sobre o pneumotórax secundário ao trauma torácico fechado em adultos, com ênfase na abordagem inicial e no seu tratamento.

Pneumothorax is one of the most common complications of blunt thoracic trauma. The aim of this article is to review the initial evaluation and management of blunt thoracic trauma in adults.

Spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy: case report and literature review

Pneumothorax during pregnancy is a rare and potentially serious complication for both mother and fetus. Due to an increased need for oxygen during pregnancy and delivery, pneumothorax affects fetal oxygen supply, since it causes hypoxia in the mother. The authors describe a case of pneumothorax during pregnancy and conduct a literature review.

Pneumothorax, music and balloons: a case series

We describe two cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in young healthy adults with no underlying structural lung disease. The onset of pneumothorax was following physical activity including playing musical instruments and blowing of balloons. There is sparse data evaluating the pathophysiology of primary spontaneous pneumothorax in relation to increased mouth pressures. These cases highlight the possible physical effect of valsalva manoeuvre on transpulmonary pressures, and the potential risk of developing pneumothorax in otherwise healthy individuals. This aspect of pneumothorax development is worthy of further exploration, to better elucidate the mechanism and enhance our understanding of this common respiratory presentation

Efficacy & safety of iodopovidone pleurodesis: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background & objectives: Chemical pleurodesis is an accepted therapy for patients with recurrent pleural effusions and pneumothorax. Iodopovidone has been shown to be safe and effective for chemical pleurodesis in several studies. The aim of this systematic review was to update a previously reported meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of iodopovidone pleurodesis. Methods: Two databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched for a period (1952-2010), and studies that have reported success rates with iodopovidone pleurodesis were selected. The proportions with 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) were calculated to assess the outcomes in the individual studies and the results were pooled using a random effects model. Results: Thirteen eligible studies with 499 patients were included in the mata-analysis. The success rates varied from 70 to 100 per cent in different studies with the pooled success rate being 88.7 per cent (95% CI, 84.1 to 92.1). The success rate was not affected by the method (tube thoracostomy vs. thoracoscopy, 89.6 vs. 94.2%) or the indication of pleurodesis (pleural effusion vs. pneumothorax, 89.2 vs. 94.9%). The only significant complication reported was chest pain of varying degree. Systemic hypotension was reported in six patients across the studies. There were no deaths associated with iodopovidone pleurodesis. Statistical heterogeneity and publication bias were found. Interpretation & conclusions: Iodopovidone may be considered a safe and effective agent for chemical pleurodesis in patients with pleural effusions and recurrent pneumothoraces.

Complicações em pacientes com fibrose cística / Complication of cystic fibrosis

A Fibrose Cística é uma doença genética, complexa, que compromete principalmente os aparelhos respiratório e digestivo. O diagnóstico precoce e o avanço das estratégias terapêuticas têm levado a um marcado aumento da sobrevida; no entanto, as complicações respiratórias e digestivas têm contribuído significativamente para importante morbimortalidade especialmente nos pacientes adultos. A progressão da doença respiratória pode causar complicações tais como hemoptise, pneumotórax e reações de hipersensibilidade pela colonização da via aérea por fungos. A doença gastrintestinal pode também ser complicada pela síndrome da obstrução intestinal distal.

Cystic Fibrosis is a complex genetic disease that damages especially the respiratory and the digestive systems. An early diagnosis and the advances in therapeutic strategies have led to a remarkable increase in survival rates. However, respiratory and digestive complications still contribute significantly to important mortality, especially in adult patients. The progress of respiratory disease may result in complications such as hemoptysis, pneumothorax and hypersensibility reactions due to fungi colonization of the airways. The gastrintestinal disease has also led to complications such as the distal intestinal obstruction disease.

Pulmonary interstitial emphysema complicating pneumonia in an unventilated term infant.

A case of pulmonary interstitial emphysema with pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum complicating pneumonia in a 6-week-old infant is reported. The patient had no history of resuscitation, bag and mask ventilation, nasal continuous positive airway pressure or mechanical ventilation.

Re-expansion pulmonary oedema in chronic pneumothorax.

A case of unilateral re-expansion pulmonary oedema in a chronic pneumothorax is presented. The patient had a longstanding left-sided pneumothorax. Intercostal drainage tube was inserted following which the patient developed severe hypotension and respiratory failure. Chest radiograph (postero-anterior view) showed partial lung expansion with unilateral pulmonary oedema. The patient responded to the standard management of pulmonary oedema and the lung was fully re-expanded.

Ambulatory chest drainage.

Chest drainage is usually performed using the underwater drain consisting of re-usable glass units attached to the intercostal tube. Ambulatory chest drainage devices that use a mechanical one-way valve are an alternative to the traditional underwater drain. These devices consist of the flutter valve, flutter bags, chest seals and stoma bags. They are less bulky and allow the patient to be ambulatory, thus, reducing the risk of complications from immobility. Recent evidence shows that the ambulatory devices may be safe and effective for treatment of both pneumothorax and pleural effusion and even in out-patient care.

Simultaneous bilateral spontaneous pneumothorax in an adult patient with cystic fibrosis / Pneumotórax espontâneo simultâneo bilateral em um paciente adulto com fibrose cística

Pneumothorax is a common complication in cystic fibrosis and is associated with worsening of lung function. However, bilateral simultaneous pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis is a rare condition. We describe the case of a 17-year-old female with cystic fibrosis who presented with spontaneous pneumothorax. Clinically, she presented right-sided chest pain and progressive breathlessness. The pneumothorax failed to resolve after the initial treatment (chest drainage). However, the patient was later successfully treated with additional chest drainage and talc pleurodesis. We also discuss the etiology and management of pneumothorax in patients with cystic fibrosis, since pneumothorax is associated with increased morbidity and mortality among such patients.

O pneumotórax é uma complicação comum na fibrose cística e está associado com a piora da função pulmonar. Entretanto, o pneumotórax simultâneo bilateral na fibrose cística é um achado raro. Nesse artigo é descrito o caso de uma paciente de 17 anos com fibrose cística que cursou com pneumotórax espontâneo simultâneo bilateral. Clinicamente ela apresentou dor torácica à direita e dificuldade respiratória progressiva. Embora o pneumotórax não tenha respondido bem ao tratamento inicial (drenagem torácica), ela foi posteriormente tratada com drenagem e pleurodese com talco, com sucesso. São discutidos também a etiologia e a conduta nesta condição, que está associada com o aumento da morbidade e mortalidade.

Pulmonary tuberous sclerosis

Pulmonary involvement in tuberous sclerosis is very rare and seems to be associated with a more benign course. We present a 21-year-old woman with bilateral angiomyolipoma. She developed spontaneous pneumothorax which was successfully managed by tube thoracostomy. No recurrence of pneumothorax has been observed up to the present [4 years follow-up]

Autologous blood pleurodesis: a good choice in patients with persistent air leak

The study compares the efficiency, side effects and complications of autologous blood pleurodesis with talcum powder and tetracycline. This prospective study evaluated 50 patients with persistent air leak resulting from primary and secssondary spontaneous pneumothorax between February 2004 and March 2009. The patients inclussded 32 [64.0%] males and 18 [36.0%] females with a median age of 39 years [range 14-69 years]. All cases had persistent air leak of more than seven days. Pleurodesis was performed using autologous blood in 20 [40.0%] patients, talc powder in 19 [38.0%] patients and tetracycline in 11 [22.0%] patients through a chest tube. Air leak cessation times after pleurodesis, side effects and pulmonary function tests [PFT] in the first and third months were measured. Recurrent primary spontaneous pneumothorax was the cause of persistent air leak in all cases. Air leaks were expiratory only in 54.0% of cases. We obtained a success rate of 75.0% using autologous blood, 84.2% using talc powder and 63.6% using tetracycline. Mean air leak termination interval was significantly [P < 0.001] shorter in patients treated with autologous blood in comparison to talc powder and tetracycline. We observed a significant [P < 0.05] decline in PFT in patients treated with talc powder compared with tetracycline and autologous blood. Vital capacity, FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in patients treated with tetracycline compared with autologous blood. This study shows that autologous blood pleurodesis compared to talc powder and tetracycline is related with shorter leak cessation time and less pulmonary function decline in patients with persistent air leak. We think further randomized clinical trials of pleurodesis as treatment could increase its use in thorax surgery by demonstrating the safety and the efficacy of this procedure