Chest radiographic
findings and CT imaging correlation.
Poster No.:
C-1379
Congress:
ECR 2011
Type:
Educational Exhibit
Authors:
Keywords:
DOI:
10.1594/ecr2011/C-1379
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Learning objectives
To illustrate the signs of atelectasis of the different lobes on chest radiographs.
To show the correlation of chest radiographic findings of atelectasis with CT images.
To review the major mechanisms and ethiologies of lung and lobar atelectasis.
Background
Atelectasis of the lung refers to collapse or loss of lung volume.
Recognizing signs of collapse on chest radiographs is important in the diagnosis of
lung disease because bronchogenic carcinoma is a frequent cause of postobstructive
collapse.
In some cases a confident diagnosis can be made based on typical radiographic signs
whereas other cases have a more non-specific appearance.
In this exhibit we will illustrate typical appearances and some unusual signs of the various
types of atelectasis on chest radiographs and on CT images.
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These cases include lobar atelectasis, combined lobar atelectasis, complete lung
collapse, segmental, subsegmental and rounded atelectases. The type of atelectasis and
its specific cause is explained for each case.
Additional radiographic signs that may suggest the underlying pathology are discussed
by correlating chest radiographic findings with the corresponding CT images.
1- Right Upper Lobe (RUL) Atelectasis:
RUL tends to collapse medially and superiorly, with superomedial shift of the
minor fissure and anteromedial shift of the major fissure.
If due to a central mass, the minor fissure retracts cranially with a
superolateral convexity and an inferomedial convexity (Golden S- sign).
The trachea is deviated toward the right. The right hilum and hemidiaphragm
are elevated.
Tenting of the diaphragmatic pleura, called the juxtaphrenic peak sign, may
also be seen in RUL atelectasis.
Examples of RML atelectasis are illustrated in figs. 11 and 12 (cases 6 and 7).
3- Right Lower Lobe (RLL) Atelectasis:
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Conclusion
Recognition of the typical patterns of lobar collapse on chest radiographs is essential to
develop an appropiate diagnosis and therefore avoid delays in patient management.
Appreciation of the mechanisms and CT features of atelectasis increases diagnostic
accuracy.
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References
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