Pneumatoceles causing respiratory compromise. Treatment by percutaneous decompression.
Pulmonary pneumatoceles are uncommon but generally benign, thin-walled parenchymal air collections arising in association with acute pneumonia. Rarely, they may attain such size as to severely affect respiration. We describe the percutaneous placement of multiple drains in a patient with pneumonia due to atypical measles and large pneumatoceles. Decompression via tubes resulted in improved ventilation and acceleration of recovery.
Sewall
L E
LE
Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
Franco
A I
AI
Wojtowycz
M M
MM
McDermott
J C
JC
D000328:Adult; D015505:Chest Tubes; D004322:Drainage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008457:Measles / Q000150:complications; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*