[Pneumothorax in cystic fibrosis: intrapleural instillation of Atabrine].

Intrapleural instillation of quinacrine HC1 (Atabrine) was used to treat spontaneous pneumothorax in 2 young men, aged 26 and 36 years, respectively, with advanced pulmonary disease due to cystic fibrosis. Pneumothorax did not recur until 1 year later in 1 case and 2 years later in the other. This mode of therapy for pneumothorax provides a valuable alternative to surgery for the patient with cystic fibrosis, severe lung disease and marginal pulmonary reserve.