2018 Volume 32 Issue 7 Pages 853-859
We report a case of traumatic pneumatocele due to a fall. A male in his 60s fell from a stepladder during work and struck his right chest. He presented to our hospital with right chest pain. Initial chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) showed multiple right rib fractures, consolidation with a cavitary lesion, and pulmonary hematoma in the right lower lobe. A traumatic pneumatocele was diagnosed. As the systemic and respiratory status was stable, conservative treatment was provided instead of surgery. Follow-up CT showed gradual resolution of the right lung abnormalities. Six months after the injury, the CT findings had nearly disappeared, leaving only a linear shadow. A traumatic pneumatocele can be seen in a pulmonary contusion following blunt chest injury but is relatively rare. A pneumatocele often heals in the short term without special treatment. Patients' conditions following consolidation injury vary. It is important to promptly detect a traumatic pneumatocele and evaluate the extent of pulmonary contusion to determine appropriate treatment. Chest CT was useful for early diagnosis and monitoring the course over time.