Senile spontaneous pneumothorax

Spontaneous pneumothorax in the elderly occurs when the pleura ruptures due to pathological changes, allowing communication between the pleural cavity and the atmosphere, with air entering the pleural cavity to form pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax in the elderly is mostly secondary to pulmonary or pleural diseases, commonly diffuse pulmonary fibrosis complicated by pulmonary bullae; when intra-pulmonary pressure rises sharply, the bullae rupture, resulting in pneumothorax. Spontaneous pneumothorax in the elderly is also seen in suppurative pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus, anaerobic bacteria, or Gram-negative bacilli that erodes into the pleural cavity, leading to pyopneumothorax; pneumothorax may also occur when lung cancer or tuberculous cavities erode the pleura.