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.