Expert Review on Spontaneous Pneumothorax: Advances, Controversies, and New Directions

Abstract

For decades, there has been scanty evidence, most of which is of poor quality, to guide clinicians in the assessment and management of pneumothorax. A recent surge in pneumothorax research has begun to address controversies surrounding the topic and change the face of pneumothorax management. In this article, we review controversies concerning the etiology, pathogenesis, and classification of pneumothorax, and discuss recent advances in its management, including conservative and ambulatory management. We review the evidence base for the challenges of managing pneumothorax, including persistent air leak, and suggest new directions for future research that can help provide patient-centered, evidence-based management for this challenging cohort of patients.

Spontaneous pneumothorax risk factor mapping: A Mendelian randomization study

“…Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SP) is a lung disease in which a rupture of lung tissue and pleura allows air to enter the pleural cavity without an obvious external cause [1] . It is categorized into Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (PSP) and Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax (SSP), and the cause of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax is still unknown [2] .…”

Preface: Pleural Diseases Series

“…Through a series of Expert Reviews, we also outline the current debates and controversies on management of spontaneous pneumothorax, 8 a subject of pro–con debates in several major respiratory conferences and on advances in the care of parapneumonic effusions. 9…”