From Qi Flow to Air Leak: Bilateral Apical Pneumothoraces After Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a popular form of traditional Chinese medicine used for management of pain, stress, and other chronic conditions. In recent years, it has been increasingly incorporated as an adjunctive therapy in Western medicine for acute and chronic pain control. While it is usually safe when performed by trained practitioners, complications including bleeding, infection, and injury to surrounding structures near acupoints can occur. We herein report a case of a patient who developed bilateral small apical pneumothoraces following acupuncture at thoracic acupoints, which was managed conservatively with supplemental oxygen therapy.