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Paraseptal emphysema

Dr Yuranga Weerakkody et al.

Paraseptal emphysema refers to a morphological sub type of pulmonary emphysema.

Para-septal emphysema is located adjacent to the pleura and septal lines with a peripheral distribution within the secondary pulmonary lobule. The affected lobules are almost always sub-pleural, and demonstrate small focal lucencies up to 10mm in size.

Pathology

These usually tend to be limited in extent and occurs most commonly along the dorsal surface of the upper lung and is often associated with fibrosis and may coexist with other types of emphysema.

Clinical presentation

The patient is usually asymptomatic, but the condition is considered to be a cause of pneumothorax in young adults.

Differential diagnosis

Any larger than 10mm and they are referred to as subpleural blebs or subpleural bullae.

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