Medical care for pneumatocele is treatment of the underlying condition. In most circumstances, this involves administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat the pneumonia. Therapy should be directed against the most common bacterial organisms in children, including S aureus and S pneumoniae.
Do pneumatoceles resolve?
Uncomplicated pneumatoceles usually resolve spontaneously in a few weeks to months [1, 6]. Surgical intervention is seldom required in cases of secondary complications such as pneumothorax or tension pneumatocele causing cardiac or respiratory compromise.
What is a traumatic pneumatocele?
Traumatic pneumatocele is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma with uncertain pathogenesis. It occurs primarily in pediatric patients and is characterized by single or multiple pulmonary cystic lesions concomitant with other type of injuries of the lung parenchyma.
What does pneumatocele mean?
In 1977, Fraser and Pare defined pneumatoceles are air-filled cavity occupying one-third of the lung volume. In trauma, it can be associated with pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum.
Can damaged alveoli be repaired?
As the disease progresses, the airways narrow and often pulmonary emphysema develops. This indicates irreversible expansion and damage to the alveoli, or air sacks. “The body is no longer able to repair the destroyed structures,” explains Dr.
What are the treatment options for traumatic pneumatoceles?
Traumatic pneumatoceles commonly resolve with observation without additional therapy. Indications for surgical intervention with a traumatic pneumatocele are similar to those of a postinfectious pneumatocele (ie, development of tension pneumatoceles, a secondary infection of the pneumatocele, and cardiovascular compromise).
What is the prognosis of A pneumatocele?
Treatment and prognosis. Post-infectious pneumatoceles tend to spontaneously resolve, providing that the infection is adequately treated with antibiotics. Surgical intervention is only required if the pneumatocele causes symptoms due to mass effect or if it ruptures into the pleural space resulting in a pneumothorax.
What is the typical radiographic presentation of traumatic pneumatocele?
The typical radiographic presentation of traumatic pneumatocele is a round or oval shadow usually surrounded by pulmonary contusion. Air-fluid levels are often present and thought to be related to bleeding into the pneumatocele. CT scan: CT is much more accurate, with a reported sensitivity of 96%.
What is the pathophysiology of pediatric pneumatocele?
Initially, the lung is compressed by the external force of the trauma, followed by rapid decompression from increased negative intrathoracic pressure. A “bursting lesion” of the lung occurs and leads to pneumatocele formation. Children present with typical features of pneumonia, including cough, fever, and respiratory distress.
