[Primary spontaneous pneumothorax in 4 siblings].

4 cases of spontaneous pneumothorax in 4 brothers, previously healthy with similar morphometric features and normal levels of alpha-1-antitrypsin, are presented. They all showed a tendency to relapse. The thoracoscopy carried out on one patient did show bullae and pleurodesis with tetracycline was non-effective. There were no functional alterations. We highlight the extremely rare occurrence of familial spontaneous pneumothorax. The literature is reviewed and genetic transmission mechanics is proposed, concluding that difficulties exist in identifying the non-symptomatic genetic carrier. We insist on the need to study family backgrounds in epidemiologic research.