Bilateral simultaneous spontaneous pneumothorax.

Bilateral simultaneous spontaneous pneumothorax, although rare, may constitute a grave emergency when it does occur. Early diagnosis and institution of prompt therapeutic measures may be essential for survival. The great majority of cases of spontaneous pneumothorax involve one lung only and are readily treated by simple aspiration of the air, or by intercostal catheter and water seal drainage. In general, thoracotomy is reserved for those cases which may be classified as chronic or recurrent pneumothorax. On the other hand, a recent experience with a case of bilateral simultaneous pneumothorax has demonstrated that in such a circumstance, early thoracotomy is justified and desirable in order to avoid a subsequent and possibly fatal recurrence.