A Case of Missed Giant Bullae Emphysema Diagnosed as Pneumothorax
- Author:
Ong Sf
;
Nik Azlan Nm
- Publication Type:Case Reports
- Keywords:
emphysema;
haemopneumothorax;
thoracostomy;
thorax
- MeSH:
Emphysema
- From:Medicine and Health
2017;12(1):90-93
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
We report a case of a giant bullous emphysema misdiagnosed as a pneumothorax.
A 18-year-old chronic smoker presented with right sided chest pain and dyspnoea.
Initial respiratory rate was 35 /min, blood pressure was 136/90 mmHg, heart rate
80/min and SpO2 was 98% on room air. Clinical examination revealed reduced
right air entry and left trachea deviation. Chest X-ray helped to arrive at a diagnosis
of pneumothorax. Needle aspiration was then performed followed by a chest tube
thoracostomy because of no improvement. Massive amount of blood was drained
and patient deteriorated further. CT thorax revealed a right haemopneumothorax
with multiple bullaes. Patient was rushed to OT for emergency thoracotomy for
stapling of the ruptured bullae. Giant bullous emphysema can mimic pneumothorax
and physician must be vigilant if draining a suspected pneumothorax.
- Full text:P020170621432471227826.pdf
