Primary spontaneous pneumothorax during pregnancy

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is an extremely rare condition during pregnancy and can occur at any time. Rupture of an apical ampulla or subpleural bulla is the most common cause in young pregnant women. It is thought to be due to increased inspiratory activity associated with the peripartum period. Early detection and prompt diagnosis of this condition are important for the prevention of some serious complications. The therapeutic methods used in pregnancy do not differ essentially from those used in non-pregnant patients. Ambulatory drainage of the thorax has been recommended in treatment. Delivery in these women can be performed vaginally, with a second phase of labor without effort. We present a case of primary spontaneous pneumothorax that occurred at 35 weeks of gestation in a healthy 34-year-old primigravida. Its onset was described as pleuritic chest pain and dyspnea of sudden onset. The diagnosis was made by plain chest radiography. The patient was successfully treated with chest tube placement.