SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Unique Case of Pneumothorax Caused by Acupuncture

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This case report describes a rare but serious complication of acupuncture: pneumothorax. A 28-year-old woman with anxiety and depression developed severe right-sided chest pain and shortness of breath one day after acupuncture needles were placed in the supraclavicular area of her chest. Her pain worsened with coughing and deep breathing and radiated to the right shoulder. On examination, she had decreased breath sounds and hyperresonance on the right side. Chest x-ray showed a right apical pneumothorax with mediastinal shift, raising concern for tension pneumothorax. A chest tube was inserted, her symptoms improved, and follow-up imaging confirmed resolution. The tube was removed after two days, and she was discharged home.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that acupuncture, although widely used and generally safe, can cause complications ranging from minor pain and bleeding to severe events such as infection, vascular injury, cardiac tamponade, spinal cord injury, and pneumothorax. Pneumothorax is the most commonly reported serious adverse event, and risk is higher when needles are placed over the parasternal or supraclavicular regions, where the lung lies close to the skin. Symptoms usually appear immediately, but delayed presentation, as in this case, can occur.<br /><br />The authors conclude that clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pneumothorax in patients who develop chest pain or respiratory symptoms after acupuncture. Early recognition and prompt treatment, including chest tube or pigtail catheter drainage when needed, are essential.

Asset Subtitle

Sinduja Sivakumar

Meta Tag

Author List Anushree Senthil, Harkesh Arora, Padmanabhan Priyesh, Sathishkumar Ramalingam, Sinduja Sivakumar, Sivaguha Yadunath Prabhakaran

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Pneumothorax

Concept Acupuncture

Concept Chest Pain

Concept Dyspnea

Concept Chest X-ray

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Presenting Author Sinduja Sivakumar

Track Adult

Keywords

acupuncture

pneumothorax

tension pneumothorax

chest pain

shortness of breath

supraclavicular area

chest tube

lung injury

case report

adverse event

Pneumothorax

Acupuncture

Chest Pain

Dyspnea

Chest X-ray