Pneumatocele

A pneumatocele, or pneumatocyst is a cavity in the lungs filled with air that may result from pulmonary trauma.cite book |author=Atluri P, Karakousis GC, Porrett PM, Kaiser LR |title=The The Surgical Review: An Integrated Basic and Clinical Science Study Guide (Recall Series) |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Hagerstown, MD |year=2005 |pages= 376|isbn=0-7817-5641-3] A pneumatocele results when a lung laceration, a cut or tear in the lung tissue, fills with air.cite book |author=White C, Stern EJ |title=Chest Radiology Companion |publisher=Lippincott Williams & Wilkins |location=Hagerstown, MD |year=1999 |pages=80, 176 |isbn=0-397-51732-7 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=2008-04-30 |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=keNyAl8AArUC&pg=PA176&dq=pulmonary+laceration&lr=&client=firefox-a&sig=wvrEbz3w48sBnRaXtSxF9E6DwzM#PPA80,M1] A rupture of a small airway creates the air-filled cavity. Pulmonary lacerations that fill with blood are called pulmonary hematomas. In some cases, both pneumatoceles and hematomas exist in the same injured lung. A pneumatocele can become enlarged, for example when the patient is mechanically ventilated or has acute respiratory distress syndrome, in which case it may not go away for months.cite journal |author=Gavelli G, Canini R, Bertaccini P, Battista G, Bnà C, Fattori R |title=Traumatic injuries: imaging of thoracic injuries |journal=European Radiology |volume=12 |issue=6 |pages=1273–1294 |year=2002 |month=June |pmid=12042932 |doi=10.1007/s00330-002-1439-6 |url=] Diagnosis can be made using chest X-ray; the lesion shows up as a small, round area filled with air. Computed tomography can give a more detailed understanding of the lesion. Differential diagnoses, other conditions that could cause similar symptoms as pneumatocele, include lung cancer, tuburculosis, and a lung abscess. Treatment includes monitoring and pulmonary toilet (the use of methods such as positioning and suction to keep the airways clear of secretions).

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