Pneumatoceles causing respiratory compromise. Treatment by percutaneous decompression.

Pulmonary pneumatoceles are uncommon but generally benign, thin-walled parenchymal air collections arising in association with acute pneumonia. Rarely, they may attain such size as to severely affect respiration. We describe the percutaneous placement of multiple drains in a patient with pneumonia due to atypical measles and large pneumatoceles. Decompression via tubes resulted in improved ventilation and acceleration of recovery.