2014 Volume 28 Issue 4 Pages 420-426
It is commonly known that late traumatic pneumothorax (LTP) often occurs after the initial traumatic pneumothorax by blunt trauma. This study examines the risk factors of LTP. We reviewed 58 patients with 61 traumatic pneumothoraxes who were treated in Yokohama Rosai Hospital during the period from November 1, 2006 through December 31, 2012. We divided these cases into an LTP group and non-LTP group and statistically compared the patient and clinical backgrounds. The term " lung cyst" used in this report included traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst and bullous emphysema. Ten lung cysts (16.4%) were detected by chest CT on the pneumothorax side. LTP was observed in 7 traumatic pneumothoraxes (11.5%). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the lung cyst was an independent risk factor for LTP. A close follow-up is required after the initial traumatic pneumothorax by blunt trauma, when a lung cyst is detected.
