Simultaneous Bilateral Secondary Pneumothorax Complicating Osteosarcoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: The incidence of Simultaneous Bilateral Secondary Pneumothorax (SBSP) occurring as a complication of neoplasm is rare, only <1%. The lungs can be the site for the spread of metastatic osteosarcoma. Methods: We investigated a 16-year-old female who was diagnosed with right distal femur osteosarcoma, pulmonary metastasis, and a rare SBSP complication. Pneumothorax was observed in both sites of pulmonary metastases and bronchopleural fistula on contrasting chest computed tomography. Results: This pneumothorax is the second one; the previous one was only on one side before chemotherapy. The patient died 12 months after osteosarcoma was diagnosed and four months after SBSP occurred. The progression of osteosarcoma lesions was the cause for the death of the patient. SBSP is the leading cause of severe complications in osteosarcoma. Conclusion: The clinician must perform diagnostic strategies for early detection of osteosarcoma and its proper management, which can reduce a patient’s suffering and impairment of the patient’s quality of life, thus decreasing morbidity and the risk of mortality.