Giant bullae emphysema.
Bullous lung disease, a variant of the emphysematous process, can come in different forms and presentations, both histologically and radiographically. Giant bulla (GB) is the rarest form of bullous lung disease. Onset of disease to duration to symptoms is unclear. Presenting symptoms include cough, chest pain, and progressive dyspnea. Differentiating between other cystic lung diseases or developmental/congenital anomalies is vital. While most patients with bullous lung disease can be managed medically, those with giant bulla should be referred for careful surgical evaluation. The authors describe GB, highlight the role of imaging, and discuss the evaluation and pathophysiology of this rare presentation.
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth Health Center, 1044 Belmont Avenue, Youngstown, OH, 44501, USA.
Christian
C
Ghattas
Timothy J
TJ
Barreiro
David J
DJ
Gemmel
D001768:Blister / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000453:epidemiology; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000453:epidemiology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed