Vanishing lung syndrome is a clinical presentation of giant bullous emphysema 
associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a case of a 
50-year-old white woman with vanishing lung syndrome who presented with a 
spontaneous secondary pneumothorax and an uncontrolled bronchopleural fistula. 
The large bronchopleural fistula was initially controlled with a double-lumen 
endotracheal tube and a tube thoracostomy. After surgical efforts failed, 
complete left lung isolation was performed with multiple intrabronchial valves. 
In essence, a medical pneumonectomy was performed. The patient was weaned from 
mechanical ventilation and discharged to rehabilitation. She was ambulatory at 
5-month follow-up.