Spontaneous pneumothorax during chemotherapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) associated with malignant disease is relatively infrequent but has important diagnostic and therapeutic implications. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of SP that occurred during chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin in a patient with an advanced pleomorphic sarcoma. The pneumothorax developed secondary to the rapid regression of peripheral pulmonary metastases presumably resulting in bronchopleural fistula formation. After treatment with chest tube drainage, the patient recovered and chemotherapy could be continued without further complications. DISCUSSION: We discuss different pathophysiological mechanisms and the clinical context of SP in sarcoma patients and give an overview of the literature and different treatment options.