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Previous Volume 343:300-301 July 27, 2000 Number 4 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

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To the Editor: In their extensive review of spontaneous pneumothorax, Sahn and Heffner (March 23 issue)¹ do not specifically mention pneumothorax associated with pregnancy. Spontaneous pneumothorax can occur in the prepartum or postpartum period but is most common during labor. It occurs when alveolar intrathoracic pressure increases, causing rupture of previously unrecognized blebs in the subpleural space during multiple Valsalva manuevers.² Respiratory infections, asthma, and a history of pneumothorax are common predisposing factors for pneumothorax in pregnancy.³ It may be associated with pneumomediastinum and aggravated by hyperemesis gravidarum.⁴ Treatment is generally based on the size of the pneumothorax and may . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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