An unusual cause of spontaneous pneumothorax: the Mounier-Kuhn syndrome

Ir Med J. 2011 May;104(5):152-3.

Abstract

We present the case of a 54-year old woman referred to our service with an unusual presentation of an under-diagnosed condition. A life-long non-smoker, she was referred to respiratory services by our emergency department with a left sided pneumothorax, progressive dyspnoea on exertion, and recurrent chest infections. Subsequent investigation yielded findings consistent with Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (Tracheobronchomegaly), a condition characterised by marked dilatation of the proximal airways, recurrent chest infection, and consequent emphysema and bronchiectasis. Although rarely diagnosed, some degree of Mounier-Kuhn syndrome may occur in up to 1 in 500 adults.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumothorax / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Tracheobronchomegaly / complications
  • Tracheobronchomegaly / diagnostic imaging*