Extensive pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema as a complication of bleomycin therapy

Abstract

Bleomycin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent and one of the commonest cytotoxic drugs leading to pulmonary parenchymal damage. It generally leads to interstitial pneumonitis and fibrosis, hypersensitivity reactions and acute respiratory distress syndrome. We describe an 8-year-old boy who, following prolonged bleomycin therapy, demonstrated extensive air dissection and extrapulmonary air, an unusual and fatal complication.