Abstract:
Acupuncture, an increasingly popular alternative medical therapy, has
heightened the demand for information on its safety profile. This is a
case report involving a 28-year-old female who presented with intense
right-sided chest pain and breathlessness after an acupuncture session
where needles were inserted into her chest wall. The immediate medical
evaluation revealed a tension pneumothorax with radiographic evidence of
a mediastinal shift, compelling, urgent intervention via chest tube
insertion. The patient’s symptoms persisted for two days before the
pneumothorax diminished, facilitating the removal of the chest tube.
This case emphasizes the atypical presentation of pneumothorax after
acupuncture, suggesting a delayed onset of symptoms possibly related to
the size of the bronchopleural fistula formed by the acupuncture needle.
While acupuncture-related adverse events are uncommon, serious
life-threatening complications like tension pneumothorax underscore the
necessity for rigorous safety standards. Amidst the growing popularity
of acupuncture, this report urges healthcare professionals to be aware
of and report such incidents for enhanced patient education and safety.