Idiopathic giant bullous emphysema

Last revised by Hoe Han Guan on 13 Jun 2023

Idiopathic giant bullous emphysema, also known as vanishing lung syndrome (VLS), is characterized by giant emphysematous bullae, which commonly develop in the upper lobes and occupy at least one-third of a hemithorax. It is a progressive condition that is also associated with several forms of emphysema.

Idiopathic giant bullous emphysema is a rare syndrome that differs from conventional forms of bullous emphysema;  affecting a younger population, most commonly young men 1,2

Most affected patients smoke cigarettes.

The condition has been associated with:

Affected patients may be asymptomatic or experience hypoxia, severe dyspnea and/or chest pain.

The bullae commonly involve the upper lobes with an asymmetric distribution and paraseptal location.

Plain radiographic features can be non-specific:

  • bullae occupy more than one-third of the affected hemithorax (vary in size 1-20 cm)
  • upper lobes have greater involvement 
  • there is bilateral and asymmetric lung involvement
  • may have mass effect on adjacent structures (lung parenchyma atelectasis, invert the ipsilateral diaphragm or contralateral displacement of the mediastinum and displacement of junction lines)

High-resolution chest CT is used to assess the extent of disease and determine
suitability for lung volume reduction surgery. Features on CT include:

  • bullae predominantly in the subpleural location
  • the size of bullae ranges from 1 to 20 cm in diameter, but most measure 2-8 cm 2
  • usually asymmetric, with one lung involved to a greater extent than the other
  • the presence of concomitant foci of paraseptal and centrilobular emphysema

The condition tends to be progressive. Criteria for bullectomy include large bullae with significant symptoms (reduced lung function or infection).

In 1937, Burke described a case of “vanishing lungs” in a 35-year-old man who had progressive dyspnea, respiratory failure, and radiographic and pathologic findings of giant bullae that occupied two-thirds of both hemithoraces.

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