Spontaneous resolution of a giant pulmonary bulla

Giant bullae occur most often in individuals who chronically inhale tobacco smoke. The natural history of these bullae is unpredictable, although the majority of them increase gradually in size and cause worsening respiratory function. Complete spontaneous resolution of a giant bulla is a rare occurrence, with only eight cases reported in English literature. Most of the cases of spontaneous resolution of giant bullae are thought to have resulted from an infectious process leading to closure of the communication between the airways and the bulla. However, resolution of a bulla has been associated with adenocarcinoma of the lung.