ABSTRACT
Introduction: Bullae are air filled spaces in lung parenchyma which develop in various diseases and cause respiratory compromise. Bulla which occupies one third of hemithorax is considered as a giant bulla. Case series: This case series consists of eleven cases of giant bullae with varied clinical and radiological features. Common presenta?ons include breathlessness, associated para-septal emphysema and complica?ons like pneumothorax. Conclusion: Pa?ents presen?ng with acute chest symptoms should also be evaluated for bullous disease and Computed tomography of chest can differen?ate pneumothorax from giant bullae.
ABSTRACT
Background: A 35-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency room with sudden dyspnea that developed one day prior. The initial Chest X-ray showed multiple bullous changes at the right middle and lower lung field and long standing fibrotic tuberculous changes at the right upper lung field. The left lung field was totally collapesed by an fibrotic old tuberculous lesion. In spite of supportive medical care with oxygen therapy after admission, the radiographic lesions were no significant change but the respiratory distress had worsend. The patient suffered respiratory failure and receive mechanical ventilatory support. The HRCT showed a localized tension pneumothorax mimicking multiple giant bullae at the right lower lung field. Immediately after a closed thoracostomy with a 32 French chest tube and air drainage, her vital signs and dyspnea were gradually improved. The patient was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation after 5 days of mechanical ventilatory support. The patient had receive talc pleurodesis through a chest tube to prevent the recurrence of the life-threatening localized pneumothorax. The patient was discharged without recurrence of the pneumothorax.