Pneumatocele
Pneumatocele
Pneumatocele (pronounced: noo-muh-toh-seel) is a term used in the field of medicine to describe a thin-walled, air-filled cyst or cavity in the lung that is usually caused by trauma or infection.
Etymology
The term "pneumatocele" is derived from the Greek words "pneuma," meaning air, and "kele," meaning tumor or swelling.
Definition
A pneumatocele is a transient air-filled lesion in the lung parenchyma that typically arises as a complication of acute pneumonia, especially Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. It can also occur as a result of trauma or surgery. Pneumatoceles are usually multiple and bilateral, but can also be single and unilateral. They are typically self-limiting and resolve spontaneously.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pneumatocele can vary depending on the size and location of the lesion. They may include cough, fever, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a pneumatocele can lead to pneumothorax, a condition in which air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a pneumatocele is typically made through imaging studies such as a chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan. These tests can help to visualize the air-filled cyst and determine its size and location.
Treatment
Treatment for a pneumatocele often involves managing the underlying condition that caused it, such as pneumonia or trauma. In most cases, pneumatoceles resolve on their own without specific treatment. However, in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pneumatocele
- Wikipedia's article - Pneumatocele
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski