Atypical Presentation of Spontaneous Pneumothorax in a South Korean Teenager

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is a common emergency in adolescents, yet atypical presentations can delay diagnosis. This report details a 16-year-old male from Seoul, South Korea, who presented with progressive chest discomfort and exertional dyspnea. Initial chest X-ray showed a small apical pneumothorax, but a subsequent CT scan revealed extensive subpleural blebs. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with pleurodesis. This case underscores the importance of considering SP even in patients with minimal symptoms.