Traumatic Pulmonary Pseudocyst Mimicking a Congenital Cystic Lung Disease

Abstract

Traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst (TPP) is a rare entity that occurs following a trauma to the chest. It usually presents as multiple cystic lesions on thoracic imaging. It is treated conservatively and tends to completely resolve after few months. In the absence of striking signs of trauma such as rib fractures, TPP can be mistaken for other cystic lung diseases. We present a case of TPP in a 17-year-old male who was seen for mild hemoptysis after falling off a cliff. The extent of his right lower lobe cystic lesions along with the lack of major signs of trauma led to an incorrect diagnosis of congenital pulmonary airway malformation. The patient was considered for lobectomy, which he refused. Imaging of the chest repeated one and three years later showed complete resolution of the lesions.

Traumatic rupture of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation mimicking traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst: a case report

“… 5 , 16 , 17 Pseudocysts can appear immediately or within a few hours after trauma and can change rapidly in size and shape on imaging studies over time. 3 This can help distinguish traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts from other cavity lesions. Pulmonary pseudocysts are usually treated conservatively and tend to resolve completely within 4 months.…”

“…Pulmonary pseudocysts are usually treated conservatively and tend to resolve completely within 4 months. 3 , 18 Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts with severe complications may require surgery. 18 , 19 The lesion in our patient did not decrease in size within 14 days; therefore, traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst may occur less frequently than CCAM.…”

“…CCAM is a rare entity with an incidence of 1 per 11,000 to 35,000 live births, and the rate is higher during mid-pregnancy. 1 – 3 Currently, with advancements in imaging modalities, the vast majority of CCAMs are discovered prenatally or in the early stages of life. 2 , 3 Depending on the size and location of the masses, clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to progressive respiratory distress.…”

“… 1 – 3 Currently, with advancements in imaging modalities, the vast majority of CCAMs are discovered prenatally or in the early stages of life. 2 , 3 Depending on the size and location of the masses, clinical presentation may vary from asymptomatic to progressive respiratory distress. 4 Distinguishing CCAM from mimicking lesions is very important to guide accurate treatment and to avoid serious consequences.…”