Vanishing Lung Syndrome : A Rare Entity

Abstract

Idiopathic giant bullous emphysema or vanishing lung syndrome is a very rare condition associated with severe forms of emphysema in which the lungs appear to be disappearing on radiograph. It is a progressive condition which usually affects young male smokers and characterised by the presence of giant emphysematous bullae in lungs asymmetrically. The authors hereby describe a rare case of an 18 year old female non smoker, presented with a history of chest pain of two weeks duration. Her chest radiograph showed large bullae in both lungs, more on the left. HRCT thorax confirmed giant bullae in both upper, middle, lingula and apical segments of lower lobes compressing the surrounding lung parenchyma. Diagnosis of idiopathic giant bullous emphysema or vanishing lung syndrome was made based on imaging, for which the patient underwent surgical resection.