[Para-septal emphysema]

Paraseptal emphysema is characterised by a sub-pleural distribution of the lesions along the interlobular septa. It is most often clinically silent and chest radiography is neither sensitive nor specific. Pulmonary function tests are normal or show simple bronchial obstruction. The diagnosis is often made following a complication (pneumothorax or development of a compression bulla) or on computed tomography.