Giant fluid-filled bulla treated by instillation of antibiotics after percutaneous drainage.

A 46-year-old man was admitted 3 years ago with symptoms of right chest discomfort. A chest X-ray and CT scan revealed an air-fluid level in a previously diagnosed giant bulla in his right upper lung field. Percutaneous drainage of the giant fluid-filled bulla using a pigtail catheter was performed. Instillation of antibiotics was performed twice and the catheter was removed. Two years later almost complete disappearance of the cavity was noted. Although immediate resolution of the giant fluid-filled bulla was not obtainable, the infection was controlled and an invasive procedure avoided.