Spontaneous Pneumothorax and Its Treatment

The etiology and treatment of spontaneous pneumothorax have received consideration by many authors. Laennec is credited with having suspected the part played by emphysematous blebs. This was later confirmed by Devilliers¹in 1826. With the development of knowledge about the causes and possible pathogenesis there has not been complete agreement as to the proper methods of treatment. This report deals with a review of 35 cases seen at the Lowry Air Force Base Hospital, Denver, from Jan. 1, 1951, to July 31, 1953. An analysis of the clinical material, a method of roentgenologic recording of the extent of pneumothorax, and the methods of treatment are presented. Clinical Analysis. —This study covers 35 patients: 34 men and 1 woman, all Caucasian. Since all of these patients are from a military age group, analysis by age is not of much significance. However, previous studies have shown that the greatest incidence of