Lung bullae with air-fluid levels: what is the appropriate therapeutic approach?

Respir Care. 2012 Apr;57(4):642-5. doi: 10.4187/respcare.01372. Epub 2011 Oct 13.

Abstract

Air-fluid levels within emphysematous lung bullae are a relatively uncommon occurrence in patients with preexisting bullous disease, and are not commonly reported. We report 2 cases of new onset air-fluid levels in patients with underlying bullous disease with substantially different clinical presentations but with clinical improvement after medical therapy only.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blister / therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • HIV Seropositivity / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / drug therapy
  • Lung Diseases / epidemiology
  • Lung Diseases / therapy*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / drug therapy
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Emphysema / therapy*