We describe two cases of patients with emphysema who, in the lead up to hyperinflation intervention, developed pneumonia with significant physiological, anatomical, functional and quality of life improvement observed following. This directly goes against the natural history of both disease processes, demonstrating the benefit resulting from infective autobullectomy.
Keywords: 6MWD, 6 Minute Walking Distance; Autobullectomy; BODE, Body mass index, airflow Obstruction, Dyspnea and Exercise capacity; CAT, COPD Assessment Test; COPD; COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; CT, Computed Tomography; EBC, Endobronchial Coil; EBV, Endobronchial Valves; FEV1, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second; FeNO, Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide; GOLD, Global initiative for chronic Obstructive Lung Disease; IgE, Immunoglobulin E; KCO, transfer coefficient of diffusion; LVRS, Lung Volume Reduction Surgery; Lung volume reduction; MCID, Minimal Clinically Important Difference; NICE, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence; RV, Residual Volume; SGRQ, St Georges Respiratory Questionnaire; VA, alveolar volume.