Developer site: The content shown here is test data.

MyEClinic
MyEClinic
Health Dictionary AI Health Chat Find an Online Doctor
A serene Zen garden with raked sand and smooth stones, symbolising clarity and calm

Health Dictionary

Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

Back to skin conditions

Pneumatocele

Introduction

For pneumatocysts in algae, see pneumatocyst.
Overview

Overview

A pneumatocele, or pneumatocyst is a cavity in the lungs filled with air that may result from pulmonary trauma.[1] A pneumatocele results when a lung laceration, a cut or tear in the lung tissue, fills with air.[2] A rupture of a small airway creates the air-filled cavity.[1] Pulmonary lacerations that fill with blood are called pulmonary hematomas.[2] In some cases, both pneumatoceles and hematomas exist in the same injured lung.[3] A pneumatocele can become enlarged, for example when the patient is mechanically ventilated or has acute respiratory distress syndrome, in which case it may not go away for months.[3] Diagnosis can be made using chest X-ray; the lesion shows up as a small, round area filled with air.[1] Computed tomography can give a more detailed understanding of the lesion.[1] Differential diagnoses, other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as pneumatocele, include lung cancer, tuburculosis, and a lung abscess.[1] Treatment includes monitoring and pulmonary toilet (the use of methods such as positioning and suction to keep the airways clear of secretions).[1]

References

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Atluri P, Karakousis GC, Porrett PM, Kaiser LR (2005). The The Surgical Review: An Integrated Basic and Clinical Science Study Guide (Recall Series). Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. p. 376. ISBN 0-7817-5641-3.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 White C, Stern EJ (1999). Chest Radiology Companion. Hagerstown, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 80, 176. ISBN 0-397-51732-7. Retrieved 2008-04-30.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Gavelli G, Canini R, Bertaccini P, Battista G, Bnà C, Fattori R (2002). “Traumatic injuries: imaging of thoracic injuries”. European Radiology. 12 (6): 1273–1294. doi:10.1007/s00330-002-1439-6. PMID 12042932. Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)

Template:Chest trauma Template:SIB

Editor-In-Chief: There can be one or more than one Editor-In-Chief. You may also apply to be an Associate Editor-In-Chief of one of the subtopics below. Please mail us [1] to indicate your interest in serving either as an Editor-In-Chief of the entire topic or as an Associate Editor-In-Chief for a subtopic. Please be sure to attach your CV and or biographical sketch.