title: Pneumatoceles causing respiratory compromise. Treatment by percutaneous decompression.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
authors.forename: L E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Sewall
authors.forename: A I
authors.initials: AI
authors.lastname: Franco
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Wojtowycz
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: McDermott
mesh_terms: 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*