[Spontaneous resolution of a giant pulmonary bulla]

There are different causes leading to formation of pulmonary bullae, in particular tuberculosis. There is some debate concerning the pathophysiology of bullae extension although two mechanisms are put forward: partial obstruction of the airways and elastic recoil of adjacent lung parenchyma with a negative pressure in the bullae. Pulmonary function tests are highly perturbed in patients with giant bullae. The natural history of bullae is enlargement although spontaneous regression is rarely described. Bullae should be resected in selected patients, others require careful follow-up. We present the case of a man with tuberculosis who developed a giant pulmonary bulla that regressed spontaneously in a few years.