[Case of tension pneumothorax associated with asthma attack during general anesthesia].

We report a case of tension pneumothorax associated with asthma attack during general anesthesia. An 86-year-old woman with dementia underwent cataract surgery under general anesthesia. At 70 min after the start of operation, airway pressure suddenly increased from 19 to 28 cm HO2O. In spite of bag ventilation with 100% oxygen, Sp(O2) decreased to 81%. Chest-Xp showed typical image of tension pneumothorax. Chest drainage was immediately performed, after which Pa(O2) recovered soon. She was extubated on postoperative day 1 without any neurological disorder. Hyperinflation of fragile alveoli by mechanical ventilation was likely a cause of tension pneumothorax.