Cystic fibrosis - middle lobe collapse and bronchiectasis

Case contributed by Craig Hacking
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Worsening cough. Known cystic fibrosis.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

Patchy airspace opacities throughout the lungs, more so in the upper and mid zones. Triangular opacity in the right mid zone obscuring the right heart border with superior displacement of the horizontal fissure in keeping with middle lobe collapse. Linear opacities in keeping with bronchiectasis.

Case Discussion

The patient had recently been admitted with an infective exacerbation of CF. The collapsed middle lobe cleared over the next 24 hours with aggressive chest physiotherapy, indicating it was secondary to mucus plugging.

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