Unveiling a rare radiological discovery: Interlobar pneumothorax in a young female patient

Abstract

Pneumothorax is a medical condition characterized by air in the space between the visceral and parietal pleural surfaces, with spontaneous and traumatic classifications. Spontaneous pneumothorax is further divided into primary and secondary groups based on the presence or absence of clinically apparent underlying lung disease. Here we present a case of a 23-year-old female with no past medical history who presented with chest pain and shortness of breath, ultimately diagnosed with primary spontaneous interlobar pneumothorax. Despite advancements in medical diagnosis techniques, spontaneous interlobar pneumothorax remains a rare presentation of pneumothoraces. Treatment strategies for clinically stable patients with a first episode of primary spontaneous pneumothorax include observation with or without supplemental oxygen, with further intervention only if the pneumothorax fails to improve or worsens.

Keywords: Diagnostic radiology; Interlobar pneumothorax; Spontaneous pneumothorax.

Fig. 1

Chest X-ray AP and lateral views - looks within normal limits without any evidence of pneumothorax, effusion or atelectasis.

Fig. 2

CT angiogram of chest AP and lateral views - curvilinear streak seen immediately adjacent to the course of the minor fissure of the right lung as marked by the red arrow.

Fig. 3

Lateral view of the CT angiogram depicting the hyperlucency of a spontaneous interlobar pneumothorax (red arrow).

Fig. 4

CT angiogram chest AP view showing the hyperlucency of primary spontaneous interlobar pneumothorax (red arrow).