The acupunctured lung

Am J Emerg Med. 2014 Jan;32(1):111.e1. doi: 10.1016/j.ajem.2013.08.026. Epub 2013 Sep 17.

Abstract

We discuss a 72-year-old woman admitted with acute shortness of breath and severe sharp chest pain several hours after receiving acupuncture therapy. She was subsequently diagnosed as having an iatrogenic pneumothorax secondary to acupuncture. We discuss the complications of acupuncture and why patients should be informed of the risks of such procedures.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Analgesia / adverse effects*
  • Aged
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Dyspnea / etiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pneumothorax / diagnosis
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Radiography