Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg.  2019 Apr;52(2):91-99. 10.5090/kjtcs.2019.52.2.91.

Do Blebs or Bullae on High-Resolution Computed Tomography Predict Ipsilateral Recurrence in Young Patients at the First Episode of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax?

• Park S
• Jang HJ
• Song JH
• Bae SY
• Kim H
• Nam SH
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2447608
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5090/kjtcs.2019.52.2.91

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The relationship between the size of bullae and pneumothorax recurrence is controversial. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the role of blebs or bullae in predicting ipsilateral recurrence in young patients experiencing their first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) who underwent conservative treatment.
METHODS
A total of 299 cases of first-episode PSP were analyzed. The status of blebs or bullae was reviewed on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). The dystrophic severity score (DSS; range, 0 to 6 points) was calculated based on HRCT.
RESULTS
The 5-year recurrence rate was 38.2%. In univariate analysis, age (<20 years), body mass index (<20 kg/m2), a unilateral lesion, and intermediate risk (DSS 4 and 5) were associated with recurrence. Sex; smoking history; and the presence, number, and maximal size of blebs or bullae were not related to recurrence. In Cox regression, age and intermediate risk were independent risk factors for recurrence. High risk (DDS 6) was not an independent risk factor.
CONCLUSION
The presence, number, and size of blebs or bullae did not affect ipsilateral recurrence. DSS failed to show a positive correlation between severity and recurrence. The decision to perform surgery in patients experiencing their first episode of PSP should not be determined by the severity of blebs and bullae.

Keyword

Pneumothorax; Recurrence; Computed tomography; Bullae

MeSH Terms

Blister*
Body Mass Index
Humans
Pneumothorax*
Recurrence*
Retrospective Studies
Risk Factors
Smoke
Smoking
Smoke