Correlating Radiology with Thoracoscopic Findings in a Case of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a Child

Spontaneous pneumothorax hardly occurs in healthy children. Diagnosing its etiology can be difficult. Chest X ray and Computerized Tomographic scan (CT) are useful investigations but have limitations. CT scan in combination with video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates appropriate management of non-resolving spontaneous pneumothorax. Showcased are images demonstrating how effectively CT complements video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in managing a recalcitrant case of spontaneous pneumothorax caused by a solitary bulla. A 15 year old boy presented to the referring hospital with a right sided spontaneous pneumothorax which occurred whilst playing football A 15 year old boy presented to the referring hospital with a right sided spontaneous pneumothorax which occurred whilst playing football. His symptoms were shortness of breath and right pleurisy chest pain. His oxygen saturations were more than 95% on air. A needle aspiration was performed yielding 2300mls of air, however the pneumothorax persisted. In cases of pontaneous pneumothorax, Chest X ray and Computerised Tomographic scan have limitations. CT scan in combination with video assisted thoracoscopic surgery improves diagnostic accuracy and facilitates appropriate management of non-resolving spontaneous pneumothorax.