Spontaneous left pneumothorax revealing an atypical carcinoid tumor: a case report

Abstract

The association between spontaneous pneumothorax and a bronchial tumor is rare, and even more so with an atypical carcinoid tumor. This rare and unexpected case highlights the importance of raising clinician awareness about investigating the underlying cause of pneumothorax through endoscopic exploration. A 52-year-old female was exposed to passive smoking by her husband for 20 years. She was treated for hypothyroidism for the past two years, pulmonary tuberculosis a year ago, and cardiac disorders for the past eight months. The patient presented to the emergency room with a spontaneous left pneumothorax secondary to an atypical bronchial carcinoid tumor. The diagnosis was established through thoracic CT and bronchoscopy. Treatment involved left pneumonectomy with follow-up.