Fluid-containing bullae in the lung.
Eight patients had air-fluid levels in the lung as a result of fluid accumulation in preexisting bullae. In four cases the cause was peribullous pneumonitis; in the other four cases the cause could not be determined. All patients had a favorable clinical course while intrabullous fluid was present. The initial interpretation of air-fluid levels was correct in only two instances. Differentiation of fluid-containing bullae from other causes of air-fluid levels is important so that unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers can be avoided.
D000368:Aged; D001768:Blister / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000150:complications; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography