Vanishing lung syndrome Masquerading as bilateral pneumothorax: A case report

Respiratory Medicine Case Reports
Nur Izat MuhamadWan Syamimee Wan Ghazali

Abstract

Vanishing lung syndrome (VLS) is a rare condition characterized by giant emphysematous bullae. It is frequently misdiagnosed as pneumothorax. We describe a case of a 30-year-old male who presented with shortness of breath, reduced effort tolerance, and pleuritic chest pain for three months. He was initially diagnosed with bilateral pneumothorax based on clinical examination and chest radiograph findings. However, further imaging with a high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the thorax confirmed bilateral giant emphysematous bullae. Our patient subsequently underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and bullectomy. In this report, we discuss the clinical presentations, radiological features, and the management of VLS. We also highlight the differentiating features of VLS from a pneumothorax.

References

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Nov 18, 2017·Thorax·Xian-Ning WuMei-Qing Xu
Mar 4, 2019·International Journal of Surgery Case Reports·Edson Gonçalves Ferreira JuniorBruna Menon Loureiro

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