BMC Pulmonary Medicine (Sep 2022)

Symptomatic unilateral idiopathic giant bullous emphysema : a case report

  • S. Garvey,
  • J. Faul,
  • L. Cormican,
  • D. Eaton,
  • E. P. Judge

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-02135-3
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22, no. 1
pp. 1 – 4

Abstract

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Abstract Background Idiopathic Giant Bullous Emphysema (or Vanishing Lung Syndrome) is a rare condition which is usually associated with male gender, active smoking and underlying emphysematous disease. We present an unusual case of a giant bulla occurring in the absence of these risk factors. Case presentation A 54-year-old woman presented to the respiratory outpatient clinic with gradually worsening left sided chest discomfort, which was most marked during a recent flight. She had no significant dyspnoea or other symptoms. She had a remote 5-pack-year smoking history. Chest X-Ray revealed a large hyperlucent area in the left upper lobe. CT Thorax found this to be an isolated bulla occupying more than one-third of the hemithorax. The remaining lung parenchyma was normal. A diagnosis of Idiopathic Giant Bullous Emphysema was made. The patient was referred for VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) bullectomy which was carried out without complication. Her symptoms resolved completely following the operation. Conclusions This is an unusual case of a solitary giant bulla occurring without major risk factors or underlying lung disease. VATS bullectomy was shown to be an effective therapeutic option, allowing re-expansion of compressed lung tissue and complete resolution of symptoms.

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