C44-33 Persistent Pneumothorax Prompting Evaluation for Bronchopleural Fistula

Introduction Bronchopleural fistula is a rare complication that can arise in the case of a pneumothorax. Persistent air leak or serial images with persistent pneumothorax despite treatment with a chest tube should prompt further investigation. Case Report a 73 year old male with no persistent pulmonary history except tobacco use presented with acute onset chest pain and dyspnea. Initial workup revealed a large right sided pneumothorax. Initial management consisted of thoracostomy and placement of a chest tube. Chest tube remained in place for several days, however, on serial imaging, pneumothorax continued to be present. With the chest tube on low wall suction, air continuously bubbled in the chest tube. Eventually, patient underwent VATS and pleurodesis with subsequent resolution of pneumothorax. Discussion Bronchopleural fistula can be a dangerous condition characterized by persistent pneumothorax. Early suspicion when a patient’s symptoms are persistent can change the management and outcome for patients with significant symptoms. This abstract is funded by: None