Pneumatocele
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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
- ↑ 1.0 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.
- ↑ 2.0 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.
- ↑ 3.0 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
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