[A case of giant bulla which ruptured and disappeared on chest roentgenogram]

We experienced a case of progressive giant bulla which ruptured and disappeared on chest roentgenogram. The patient was a 60-year-old male who had been treated with home oxygen therapy for chronic pulmonary emphysema. One year after initiating home oxygen, emphysematous bulla occurred and expanded to become giant bulla which occupied 3/4 of the right hemithorax. Although we attempted to persuade him to undergo surgery for bullectomy, he refused. While being followed as an outpatient, sudden right anterior chest pain occurred, and dyspnea was markedly alleviated at the same time. Chest roentgenogram revealed right pneumothorax and pleural effusion, and the giant bulla subsequently receded. The patient has been stable for the approximately one year period since, without evidence of recurrence. It is rare for giant bullae to cause a pneumothorax. In addition, there are no previous reports in the literature with a clinical course such as that experienced by our patient.