Pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis.

[allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis]

Pneumothorax is recognized as a common and life-threatening complication in cystic fibrosis (CF ) patients , especially in those who are infected with P . aeruginosa , B . cepacia or Aspergillus , need enteral feeding , are diagnosed as suffering from allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA ), developed massive hemoptysis , and their respiratory function is seriously compromised . Structural impairment and altered airflow dynamics in the lungs of CF patients are considered as the main predisposing factors , but also inhaled medications and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV ) could increase the risk of pneumothorax . Clinical presentation could range from dramatic to very mild . Management of spontaneous pneumothorax occurring to patients with CF is essentially similar to that for non-CF patients . Therapeutic options include intercostal tube drainage , video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS ), and medical or surgical pleurodesis . Pneumothorax increases both short - and long -term morbidity and mortality in CF patients and causes significant deterioration of their quality of life .