Traumatic pneumatocele

Abstract

Traumatic pneumatocele is a recognized but uncommon complication of blunt thoracic trauma. Its clinical relevance lies in the difficulty the attending surgeon encounters in differentiating the x-ray appearances from more serious pathology requiring urgent surgical intervention. We document this case because it is important that surgeons be aware of this condition and of its benign course so as to avoid unnecessary diagnostic or operative procedures.

Pneumatoceles in preterm infants—incidence and outcome in the post-surfactant era

“…[24][25][26][27] It is important to note that surgical intervention may have many inherent risks including the possibility of an undetected vascular malformation around the cyst and must be used only as the last resort. 28 There has also been a report of successful treatment of a large pneumatocele by selective intubation of the contra-lateral lung and treatment with high-frequency ventilation in a strategy similar to that used for severe PIE. [29][30][31][32] However, in our experience even the largest cysts (up to 4 cm diameter) resolved with reduction in mean airway pressure.…”

A case of traumatic cyst of the lung

“…The pneumatocoele often contains bloody fluid. [1][2][3][4] Although this case was diagnosed with a CT scan, the findings have been described and diagnosed by plain radiographs. 3 The aetiology of the cysts, as described in multiple theories, is usually compression and decompression of the chest leading to increased intrathoracic pressure with rupture of small bronchi and bursting of the lung.…”

“…[1][2][3][4] Although this case was diagnosed with a CT scan, the findings have been described and diagnosed by plain radiographs. 3 The aetiology of the cysts, as described in multiple theories, is usually compression and decompression of the chest leading to increased intrathoracic pressure with rupture of small bronchi and bursting of the lung. Another theory suggests (1) restricted outflow of air by closing of a segment of the peripheral airway or closing the glottis during compression, (2) a concussion wave that creates a shearing stress exceeding the elasticity of the lung.…”

“…It usually appears as single or multiple, spherical or oval cavities, unilocular or multilocular, measuring 2-14 cm in diameter in the lung parenchyma. 3 The apices are usually spared and may be obscured by pulmonary contusion. The pneumatocoele often contains bloody fluid.…”

Large Traumatic Pneumatocele in a 2-Year-Old Child

“…TPs reported in the literature are generally small, regular shaped lesions mostly treated conservatively [8]. Clinical observation is largely successful with few reported complications such as infections, secondary haematoceles, respiratory deterioration, size increase, or failure to resolve [3].…”