A case of giant bullous disease in a non- smoker and normal serum α-1-antitrypsin Caso de enfermedad bulosa gigante en un no-fumador y α-1-antitripsina sérica normal

Giant emphysematous bullae represent a rare form of emphysematous lung destruction and occur usually due to smoking or α-1-antitrypsin deficiency; presence of this disease is extre - mely rare in absence of the aforementioned. Surgery is indicated when there is a chest over- expansion, pulmonary function compromise and evidence of a normal compressed lung. We present a 75-year-old female without a smoking history and normal serum α-1-antitrypsin who developed respiratory compromise, a successful bullectomy for lung reduction was per- formed, with consequent improvement of the ventilatory status. Few reports exist of giant bullous disease with no previous risk factors, reason that prompted our report.