Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is a commonly known condition due to the accumulation
of air in the pleural space in otherwise healthy people, without apparent underlying
lung disease. To date, the exact pathogenesis of PSP is unclear, but it still represents
a public health issue. We performed a review of the literature concerning the epidemiology
of PSP, examining age of onset and presentation symptoms, in order to assess the possible
correlation between these characteristics and its occurrence. Data concerning age,
signs, and symptoms were collected. For description purposes, information regarding
aetiological and anthropomorphic data was also gathered. In total, 265 papers were
evaluated. Regarding age of onset, PSP is a disease that can occur in a broad age
group with a double cluster (15–30 and 40–45 yr). Regarding symptoms, pain and dyspnoea
(in its various forms) are the most described in PSP. Pain was recorded in 69.25%
(range, 9–100%) of the population studied, whereas dyspnoea was present in an average
of 54.55% (range, 27–77.1%). Tobacco exposure seems to play an important role in the
early onset of PSP. Concerning age at presentation, this review highlights that PSP
can occur over a broad age range. The literature appears to be consistent in reporting
PSP occurrence mostly below 45 years of age. Asymptomatic PSP is an almost unseen
entity. Finally, of pollutants, cigarette smoking should be considered as the most
significant exogenous risk factor in the development of PSP.
Keywords
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: July 15, 2020
Accepted:
May 12,
2020
Received in revised form:
April 10,
2020
Received:
February 7,
2020
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ANZSCTS) and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand (CSANZ). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
