Autologous blood-patch pleurodesis for persistent air leak in an AIDS patient with pneumothorax

Abstract

Autologous blood-patch pleurodesis (ABPP) is a common technique used to manage patients with persistent pleural air leaks caused by pneumothorax. Other treatment options for persistent air leak (PAL) include chemical pleurodesis or placement of endobronchial valves, though severity of illness, risk of complications such as infection, or patient comorbidities may impact treatment decisions. The use of ABPP in patients with HIV and AIDS has not been reported in the literature. We present a case of a 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS (noncompliant with medications) and schizophrenia who presented with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure complicated by pneumothorax and PAL. He safely underwent ABPP without complications and eventually had resolution of PAL.

Keywords:

• AIDS
• alveolar-pleural fistula
• autologous blood patch pleurodesis
• HIV
• hypoxemic respiratory failure
• persistent air leak
• pneumothorax

Disclosure statement/Funding

The authors report no funding or conflicts of interest. The patient consented to publication of his case.