Pneumatoceles following hydrocarbon ingestion. Report of three cases and review of the literature
P. S. Bergeson, S. W. Hales, M. D. Lustgarten and H. W. Lipow
Three cases of pneumatocele formation secondary to hydrocarbon ingestion
are reported and analyzed along with 12 from the literature. The cases
display a spectrum of clinical severity. After a period of 3 to 15 days,
during which most patients became asymptomatic, pneumatoceles were noted
radiologically, usually as an unexpected finding on follow-up
roentgenograms. No instances of pneumothorax or empyema were noted.
Resolution has been observed radiologically after periods varying from 15
days to 21 months. The incidence of this complication is probably greater
than previously realized.
