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Updated: Mar 14, 2026

Robotic-assisted Left Pneumonectomy For Vanishing Lung Syndrome
Published on: January 23, 2026
Vanishing lung syndrome
Yunhee Im1, Saad Farooqi1, Adan Mora1
1Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Texas.
Abstract:
Giant bullae often mimic pneumothorax on radiographic appearance. We present the case of a 55-year-old man admitted to a referring hospital with dyspnea, cough, and increasing sputum production; he refused thoracotomy for tension pneumothorax and presented to our hospital for a second opinion. A computed tomography (CT) scan at our hospital revealed a giant bulla, which was managed conservatively as an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thoracic surgery was consulted but advised against bullectomy. Giant bullae can easily be misdiagnosed as a pneumothorax, but the management of the two conditions is vastly different. Distinguishing between the two may require CT scan. Symptomatic giant bullae are managed surgically. We highlight the etiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of bullous lung disease, especially in comparison to pneumothorax.
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