Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Associated With Marijuana Abuse: Case Report and Literature Review

Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Secondary to Marijuana and Tobacco Abuse

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in patients without apparent clinical lung disease, with a higher incidence in tall, thin males between the ages of 10 and 30. Tension pneumothorax is a life-threatening condition that can develop within minutes due to progressive air accumulation in the pleural space; mechanical pressure can lead to significant cardiorespiratory compromise. Tobacco association with a higher incidence of spontaneous pneumothorax has been well documented, but marijuana and spontaneous pneumothorax connection has not been well studied. However, it has been observed that patients who use marijuana and tobacco simultaneously have a higher incidence of spontaneous tension and larger pneumothoraces, as well as longer postoperative stay and higher recurrence than cigarette-only users. We present a case of a 26-year-old young male with a history only significant for excessive tobacco and marijuana smoking who developed multiple recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and had to undergo right-sided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with minimally invasive thoracotomy and had a prolonged hospital stay. With our case report, we hope to add to the evidence the effects of combined marijuana and tobacco smoking on bullous lung disease and pneumothorax while emphasizing the importance of conducting a detailed substance use history in patients with spontaneous pneumothorax.