Complete spontaneous resolution of a giant bulla without rupture or infection: a case report and literature review

Abstract

We report a case of complete spontaneous resolution of a giant bulla without ipsilateral pneumothorax or overt infection accompanied by contralateral recurrent pneumothorax. A 67-year-old man visited the emergency room with dyspnea. Chest computed tomography revealed spontaneous pneumothorax on the right side and a giant bulla in the left anterior lung. Closed thoracostomy was performed and the patient was discharged. Two years later, right pneumothorax recurred. Bullectomy in the right lung and pleurodesis were performed. On monthly follow up, the giant bulla in the left lung had abruptly disappeared without any episode of pneumothorax or infection at one year after the operation.