Fate of traumatic pulmonary pseudocyst: Factors of resolution

Abstract

Background Traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts are rarely talked about, developing in less than 3% of patients with pulmonary parenchymal injuries. Resolution usually occurs within a few weeks to a few months. Method A prospective study was undertaken in 21 cases treated in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt from August 2011 through August 2013. Results The overall mean time for complete resolution was 61.1 days. The mean time for resolution of simple traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts was 21 days ( n = 6), and the mean time for resolution of complicated (blood filled) traumatic pulmonary pseudocysts was 77.1 days ( n = 15). Mean resolution time was 26.3 days for small pulmonary pseudocysts ≤22 mm ( n = 11) and 99.4 days for those >22 mm ( n = 10). The resolution time was 42.6 days in patients 17-years old or younger ( n = 11) and 81.4 days in patients older than 17 years ( n = 10). Conclusion There was a highly significant difference in resolution time between simple and complicated pseudocysts. There was also a highly significant delay in the resolution time of pseudocysts larger than 22 mm and in patients older than 17 years.