Pleurodesis of Recurrent Pneumothorax due to

Cannabis-Induced Bullous Lung Disease

Laisa Azka, Oea Khairsyaf, Irvan Medison,
Russilawati Russilawati
Departement of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine DR.M.Djamil Hospital
Faculty of Medicine University Andalas , West Sumatera-Indonesia
Tlp : (0751) 27253 ; 0852 6754 3454
Email : Formedsforus@gmail.com

Abstract
Introduction: Cannabis is the second most commonly smoked substance after tobacco.
Cannabis use has been associated with bullous lung disease which can lead to recurrent
pneumothorax. This condition rarely occurs in Indonesia, so this case is expected to be a
reference for management if there are similar cases.
Case Presentation: Male, 34 years old had complained shortness of breath since 3 days
ago. Previously, the patient had been treated with bilateral pneumothorax twice and had a
chest tube insertion. Patient is a moderate smoker and also cannabis smoker for 5 years.
Patient got tachipneu and unilateral prominent at the left side with no breath sounds. Chest
X-ray shows a left pneumothorax. Patient had a previous chest CT-scan, its showed bilateral
multiple bullae, extensive left pneumothorax and bilateral pleural effusion. We performed
thorax tube insertion on the left hemithorax and air bubbles came out. We decided to do
pleurodesis in the left hemithorax after the lungs re-expanded. After pleurodesis, we follow
up chest x-ray, it showed no pneumothorax in the patient. We did a chest CT-scan on the
patient with multiple bullae and no pneumothorax. There was no recurrent pneumothorax in
patient after fourth month of pleurodesis.
Conclusion: Cannabis smokers have a higher risk of recurrent pneumothorax. We have
done pleurodesis in this patient to treat the recurrent of pneumothorax.
Keywords: Cannabis, Bullous Lung, Pneumothorax, Pleurodesis