Pathogenesis of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Molecular Pathogenesis of Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax most commonly occurs in young, tall, lean males. The estimated recurrence rate is 23-50% after the first episode and increases to 60% after the second pneumothorax. The pathogenesis of this benign disease remains unclear. Generally, rupture of the emphysematous change or blebs in the apex of the lung is considered as the cause of pneumothorax. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of blebs formation or emphysematous change of the lung in these young, healthy patients.

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax most commonly occurs in young, tall, lean males. The estimated recurrence rate is 23-50% after the first episode and increases to 60% after the second pneumothorax. The pathogenesis of this benign disease remains unclear. Generally, rupture of the emphysematous change or blebs in the apex of the lung is considered as the cause of pneumothorax. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the molecular pathogenesis of blebs formation or emphysematous change of the lung in these young, healthy patients. The blebs resected from the pneumothorax patients will be used for RNA and protein levels analyses. The adjacent normal lung tissue will be used as a control for comparison.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age between 14 and 40 years
• Spontaneous pneumothorax
• Underwent bullectomy of the lung

Exclusion Criteria:

• With underlying lung disease