Pneumothorax Caused by Osteochondroma: Clinical Insights, Imaging Features, and Management
Introduction Pneumothorax caused by osteochondroma is an extremely rare clinical entity but represents a striking example of how benign bone tumors can lead to life-threatening thoracic complications. Osteochondroma, also known as osteocartilaginous exostosis, is the most common benign bone tumor, typically occurring in adolescents and young adults. While usually asymptomatic, in rare cases it may cause significant complications depending on its size, growth direction, and anatomical location. When an osteochondroma arises from the ribs and projects intrathoracically, it can penetrate the pleura and injure lung parenchyma, resulting in pneumothorax, hemothorax, or recurrent respiratory infections. This column presents a case of a 16-year-old boy with hemoptysis and pneumothorax due to rib osteochondroma , reviewing the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging features, treatment, and prognosis. Case Presentation A 16-year-old boy presented t...