Giant pulmonary bulla

Case contributed by Lam Van Le
Diagnosis probable

Presentation

Incidental finding.

Patient Data

Age: 25 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

The radiograph reveals a radiolucent lesion in the lower left lung with poorly defined borders, partially compressing the adjacent lung parenchyma. Pulmonary vessels are sparse posterior to the lesion, and no pleural pneumothorax is observed.

ct

CT reveals a giant pulmonary cyst in the lower lobe of the left lung, located adjacent to the pleura. It contains multiple thin septa, with walls that are nearly invisible, accompanied by partial collapse of the adjacent lung parenchyma. No pneumothorax is observed. No emphysema.

Case Discussion

The findings on the x-ray and CT are consistent with a giant pulmonary bulla although the location and absence of emphysema are atypical. On x-ray, it is important to differentiate it from pneumothorax, congenital abnormalities such as cystic pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) and other cystic lung diseases. Possible complications may include:

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