Presentation
Smoker with chronic cough.
Patient Data
Moderate centrilobular emphysema is noted indicating a probable smoking history. There are bilateral small pleural effusions (right more than left) with associated bilateral subsegmental atelectasis.
The previously demonstrated left lower lobe mixed density nodular opacity has mildly increased in size and became more solid.
Initial study demonstrates the left lower lobe mixed density irregular nodular opacity. Pathology proven acinar carcinoma.
Case Discussion
The case demonstrates the importance of comparing studies with the previous exams and not to overlook a lower lobe posterior lesion in case of pleural effusions and atelectasis.