Vanishing lung syndrome masquerading as pneumothorax in a smoker: Now you see me, now you do not
A rare clinical syndrome, giant bullous emphysema, also known by the name of vanishing lung syndrome (VLS), is characterized by an X-ray of the chest showing disappearance of the lung. VLS is a chronic disease that progresses gradually and is usually seen in young male smokers, with other risk facto...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2022-01-01
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| Series: | Lung India |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.lungindia.com/article.asp?issn=0970-2113;year=2022;volume=39;issue=4;spage=374;epage=376;aulast=Talwar |
| Summary: | A rare clinical syndrome, giant bullous emphysema, also known by the name of vanishing lung syndrome (VLS), is characterized by an X-ray of the chest showing disappearance of the lung. VLS is a chronic disease that progresses gradually and is usually seen in young male smokers, with other risk factors being alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and marijuana abuse. Giant emphysematous bullae are a pathognomonic presentation with a preference towards the upper lobe of the lungs. These emphysematous bullae may remain dormant for a long duration before presenting as worsening dyspnoea. Computed tomography is an essential tool to diagnose VLS. The treatment modalities include surgical and thoracoscopic resection of the bullae. We have reported a rare case of VLS in a 58-year-old chronic smoker managed conservatively. |
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| ISSN: | 0970-2113 0974-598X |