SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX COMPLICATING PULMONARY SARCOIDOSIS: A CASE REPORT

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease predominantly affecting the lungs, which may progress to chronic fibrotic forms responsible for respiratory complications. Spontaneous pneumothorax is a rare but potentially serious complication of pulmonary sarcoidosis, occurring most often in advanced stages of the disease. We report the case of a 57 – year - old nonsmoking man with stage IV fibrotic pulmonary sarcoidosis who presented with acute right-sided chest pain and severe respiratory distress. Chest radiography revealed a complete right - sided pneumothorax. Initial chest tube drainage resulted in incomplete lung re expansion,requiring subsequent surgical management. Thoracic surgery revealed subpleural bullae, which were resected, allowing complete lung re-expansion. The postoperative course was favorable, and the patient remained clinically stable without pneumothorax recurrence during follow-up at 1, 2, and 3 months. Through this case, we discuss the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of pneumothorax in sarcoidosis, management approaches, and the risk of recurrence. This complication should be considered in any patient with diffuse pulmonary involvement who develops respiratory distress, particularly in advanced fibrotic forms.