Gravity-dependent atelectasis
Citation, DOI, disclosures and article data
Citation:
Hacking C, Knipe H, Jabaz D, et al. Gravity-dependent atelectasis. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 10 Mar 2025) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-66464
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rID:
66464
Article created:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was created Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures.
View Craig Hacking's current disclosures
Last revised:
Disclosures:
At the time the article was last revised Henry Knipe had the following disclosures:
- Radiopaedia Events Pty Ltd, Speaker fees (past)
- Integral Diagnostics, Shareholder (ongoing)
- Micro-X Ltd, Shareholder (ongoing)
These were assessed during peer review and were determined to not be relevant to the changes that were made.
View Henry Knipe's current disclosures
Revisions:
7 times, by
5 contributors -
see full revision history and disclosures
Systems:
Synonyms:
- Gravity dependent atelectasis
- Dependant lung atelectasis
- Dependent lung atelectasis
- Gravity dependent atelectasis
Gravity-dependent atelectasis refers to a form of lung atelectasis that occurs in the dependent portions of the lungs.
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Pathology
Gravity-dependent atelectasis occurs due to a combination of reduced alveolar volume and increased perfusion. Due to gravity, it usually has a dependent and subpleural distribution. It is very commonly seen in the posterior lung bases on CT, particularly in elderly individuals.
In normal lung, gravity gradients exist in end-inspiration between the apex and lung base of 4:1 in the erect patient and between the anterior and posterior lung of 2.5:1 in the supine patient 1. These gradients increase in the presence of lung disease that increases the weight of the lung causing atelectasis.
Pathology
Etiology
bedridden patients
patients with prolonged shallow breathing
impaired mucociliary clearance
Differential diagnosis
early interstitial lung disease: prone CT chest can usually differentiate 2
References
- 1. Woodring J & Reed J. Types and Mechanisms of Pulmonary Atelectasis. J Thorac Imaging. 1996;11(2):92-108. doi:10.1097/00005382-199621000-00002 - Pubmed
- 2. Kashiwabara K & Kohshi S. Additional Computed Tomography Scans in the Prone Position to Distinguish Early Interstitial Lung Disease from Dependent Density on Helical Computed Tomography Screening Patient Characteristics. Respirology. 2006;11(4):482-7. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1843.2006.00869.x - Pubmed
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