[Acupuncture-induced bilateral pneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2018 Feb 26;180(9):V10170804.
[Article in Danish]

Abstract

Acupuncture is a well-known form of alternative medicine, it is becoming increasingly popular in Denmark for a wide variety of uses, and is also practiced on children. However, there is a risk of serious complications. This is a case report of acupuncture-induced bilateral pneumothorax in a 16-year-old boy, who had been admitted to the emergency department with chest pain. Treatment included a unilateral chest tube in the left lung and conservative treatment in the right lung. Physicians must be aware of pneumothorax as a serious complication of acupuncture in the thoracic region.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Adolescent
  • Drainage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Pneumothorax / therapy
  • Radiography