Right upper lobe collapse in the exam

Last revised by Kieran Kusel on 28 Mar 2023

Getting a film with right upper lobe collapse in the exam is one of the many exam set-pieces that can be prepared for.

There is increased opacification in the right upper zone with associated volume loss - rib spacing is reduced, midline structures displaced to the right and the right hilum and right hemidiaphragm are elevated.

There is increased density at the right hilum consistent with a mass causing upper lobe collapse.

Review of the remainder of the lung fields and bones is normal. The costophrenic angle is crisp and there is no suggestion of pleural fluid on either side.

Further investigation with a staging CT scan of the chest and upper abdomen is suggested to confirm the presence of a primary obstructing bronchial carcinoma and stage the primary tumor, nodal disease and distant metastases.

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