Mucous plug with left lung collapse

Case contributed by Andrew Dixon
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Serial chest radiographs in an intubated young adult.

The lungs are well aerated on the initial film.

4 hours later

x-ray

The subsequent film taken 4 hours later demonstrates left hemithorax white-out with mediastinal shift to the left consistent with left lung collapse. 

Six hours later

x-ray

 The final film taken 6 hours later shows resolution of the collapsed left lung.  

Case Discussion

These serial findings are consistent with left lung collapse secondary to temporary mucous plugging.

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