Spontaneous pneumothorax after steroid treatment in a patient with bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

J Formos Med Assoc. 2005 Mar;104(3):190-3.

Abstract

Bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) is an uncommon pulmonary disorder which is a clinicopathologic syndrome. The typical symptoms include cough, fever and dyspnea. Corticosteroid therapy is effective. Death from progressive disease is infrequent. We report a case of BOOP in a 41-year-old male non-smoker, proved by pathologic findings. After steroid therapy (prednisolone 30 mg daily) for 10 days, he developed spontaneous pneumothorax of bilateral lung fields. Responses to steroid and chest tube thoracostomy were excellent. BOOP may be complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax which may adversely affect prognosis. BOOP should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with secondary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / complications*
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / diagnostic imaging
  • Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia / drug therapy*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Glucocorticoids / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumothorax / chemically induced*
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Prednisolone / adverse effects*
  • Radiography

Substances

  • Glucocorticoids
  • Prednisolone