SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Dry Needling, the Double-Edged Sword

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This case report describes a rare iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by dry needling (DN), an alternative therapy. The patient developed a left apical pneumothorax measuring 3.5 cm on chest X-ray after the procedure. She was treated conservatively with 100% supplemental oxygen via nonrebreather mask, and repeat imaging after four hours showed improvement to 2.6 cm. Over the next 24 hours, her pain improved significantly, and serial chest X-rays showed less than 2 cm of residual pneumothorax. She was discharged in stable condition and instructed to avoid using her CPAP until cleared by pulmonology. Follow-up imaging ten days later showed near complete resolution, and she was subsequently cleared to resume CPAP use.<br /><br />The report emphasizes that although dry needling is often considered a low-risk alternative therapy, it can cause serious complications such as pneumothorax. The authors note that iatrogenic pneumothorax is more commonly associated with procedures like thoracentesis, central venous catheterization, and transthoracic needle aspiration, but this case highlights that DN can also injure the pleura.<br /><br />The conclusion stresses the importance of discussing the risks and benefits of alternative therapies with patients and using shared decision-making to reduce the chance of adverse events.

Asset Subtitle

Ethan Flathers

Meta Tag

Author List Ethan Flathers, Ethan Flathers, Sami Tahhan, Vishal Aggroia

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Dry Needling

Concept Pneumothorax

Concept Treatment Complication

Concept Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

Concept Small Stable Pneumothorax

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Evms

Presenting Author Ethan Flathers

Track Adult

Keywords

dry needling

iatrogenic pneumothorax

alternative therapy

left apical pneumothorax

chest X-ray

supplemental oxygen

nonrebreather mask

conservative treatment

CPAP

shared decision-making

Dry Needling

Pneumothorax

Treatment Complication

Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

Small Stable Pneumothorax