title: Spontaneous resolution of a giant pulmonary bulla: what is the role of bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory therapy?
abstract: Spontaneous resolution of giant pulmonary bullae occurs infrequently. The mechanisms responsible for the natural elimination of giant bullae are variable. We report a patient who experienced spontaneous total regression of his giant bulla following intensification of his inhaled bronchodilator and airway anti-inflammatory therapies. This occurrence suggests that smoking cessation and optimization of inhaled bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory therapies should be undertaken before referral for surgical bullectomy. These relatively simple measures may obviate the need for an invasive procedure.
authors.affiliation: James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, TN 37684-4000, USA. Ryland.Byrd@med.va.gov
authors.forename: Ryland P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Byrd
authors.forename: Thomas M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Roy
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001768:Blister / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents