Regression of giant bullous emphysema.
Spontaneous resolution of bulla associated with infection or tumor is occasionally observed. However, resolution of progressively enlarging giant bullous emphysema (GBE) after medical therapy has not been reported. A 51-year-old man smoker with GBE on the right lung was referred to Samsung Medical Center for the consideration of bullectomy. A review of his medical records revealed that right-side bullous emphysema had been detected 4 years previously and it had progressively enlarged with a concomitant deterioration of lung function. Although he had a history of chronic asthma, he had never been treated on a regular basis. After combination therapy, including regular tiopropium, a salmeterol/flucatisone inhaler, a salbutamol inhaler as needed, and oral theophylline therapy, right side bulla showed marked regression. This regression of bulla was associated with an improved forced expiratory volume in one second and normalization of residual volume. This case serves as a reminder to clinicians that medical treatment for underlying diseases should precede surgical consideration in patients with GBE.
Park
Hye Yun
HY
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Lim
Seong Yong
SY
Park
Hye Kyeong
HK
Park
So Young
SY
Kim
Tae Sung
TS
Suh
Gee Young
GY
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D001249:Asthma / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D019568:Lung, Hyperlucent / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012074:Remission Induction; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D013806:Theophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D013806:Theophylline; D000420:Albuterol