Tuberc Respir Dis.  2007 Nov;63(5):444-448. 10.4046/trd.2007.63.5.444.

Two Cases of Iatrogenic Pneumothorax after Intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS) Therapy

• Son JG
• Oh IJ
• Jeong JP
• Kim SO
• Ju JY
• Lim JH
• Cho GJ
• Chae DR
• Kim KS
• Kim YI
• Lim SC
• Kim YC

• KMID: 2050479
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4046/trd.2007.63.5.444

Abstract

Recently, intra-Muscular Stimulation (IMS) therapy is being increasingly used for musculoskeletal pain. This procedure is generally regarded as a safe procedure for the general public. Some cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax caused by acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature. However, a case of an IMS therapy associated pneumothorax has not reported. We experienced two cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax after IMS therapy. A 62 year-old man received IMS therapy on the right shoulder due to posterior neck pain. After IMS therapy, acute dyspnea and chest discomfort developed. The other patient was a 74 year-old woman who also received IMS therapy. This patient experienced a nonproductive cough and acute dyspnea after the treatment. As the popularity of this form of alternative medicine increases, we might expect to see more cases of iatrogenic pneumothorax. Physicians should be aware of the adverse events associated with IMS therapy.

Keyword

Iatrogenic pneumothorax; Intra-muscular stimulation (IMS) therapy

MeSH Terms

Acupuncture
Aged
Complementary Therapies
Cough
Dyspnea
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Musculoskeletal Pain
Neck Pain
Pneumothorax*
Shoulder
Thorax

Figure

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  Figure 1 This chest radiograph shows iatrogenic pneumothorax in right-side lung after IMS therapy.

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  Figure 2 Chest PA view after mini-tube aspiration shows expanded lung.

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  Figure 3 Chest PA view (A) & chest CT (B) shows right-side pneumothorax.

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