An 8-year-old female with a spontaneous tension pneumothorax leading to cardiac arrest complicated by recurrent bronchopleural fistulas requiring endobronchial valves: a case report

Bronchopleural fistulas are abnormal connections between the bronchial tree and the pleural space, causing persistent air leaks that can complicate lung recovery, especially after lung surgeries, infections, or trauma. Treatment options are varied, and no standardized guidelines exist. This case represents the first reported use of endobronchial valves to treat persistent bronchopleural fistulas in a pediatric patient with chronic lung disease, tracheostomy, and lifelong ventilator dependence, which likely contributed to the recurrence of the bronchopleural fistulas. This case highlights the potential use of endobronchial valves as a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for pediatric patients with persistent air leaks, adding to the current growing literature. It also highlights the challenges faced in this specific pediatric patient population.