Elsevier

Diseases of the Chest

Volume 42, Issue 6, December 1962, Pages 620-625
Diseases of the Chest

Diseases of the Chest
Fluid Levels in Emphysematous Bullae*

https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.42.6.620Get rights and content

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Discussion

The complete radiographic “syndrome” should consist of pre-existing emphysematous bullae in an area of lung newly involved in an inflammatory process. Fluid levels and thickening of bullous walls then are seen, followed by good response to treatment and generally by disappearance of the bullae. This last is probably due to inflammatory changes in the bronchiolar openings into the bulla. These are obliterated and the air is absorbed.

When the complete picture is seen over a period of time, the

Summary

Six cases of secondarily infected pre-existing emphysematous bullae are described. Fluid levels developed in the bullae, presenting interesting and potentially confusing radiographic pictures. Five responded well to conventional medical treatment; none went on to suppuration. The sixth, associated with bronchogenic carcinoma, was confirmed at the time of pulmonary resection.

Resumen

Se describen seis casos de bulas o ampollas enfisematosas preexistentes e infectadas. Los niveles líquidos se desarrollaron en las ampollas, presentando cuadros radiográficos interesantes y que pueden conducir a confusión. Cinco casos respondieron bien al método de tratamiento médico corriente. Ninguno evolucionó hacia la supuración. El sexto, asociado con carcinoma broncogènico, se confirmó al tiempo de la resección pulmonar.

Resumé

Les auteurs décrivent six cas d'infection secondaire d'une bulle emphysémateuse pré-existante. Des niveaux liquides se sont développés dans la bulle, réalisant des aspects radiographiques intéressants et pouvant être à l'origine de confusions. Cinq cas répondirent bien au traitement médical habituel; aucun n'évolua vers la suppuration. Le sixième, associé à un cancer bronchique, fut confirmé au moment de la résection pulmonaire.

Zusammenfassung

Beschreibung von 6 Fällen von sekundärinfizierten präexistenten Emphysemblasen. Flüssigkeitsspiegel entwickelten sich in den Blasen und boten so interessante und möglicherweise verwirrende röntgenologische Bilder. 5 Patienten reagierten gut auf die übliche interne Behandlung; in keinem Fall kam es zu einer eitrigen Infektion. Der sechste Fall, bei dem gleichzeitig ein Bronchuscarzinom bestand, wurde zur Zeit der Lungenresektion bestätigt.

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Cited by (1)

*

From the Veterans Administration Hospital.

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