Left lower lobe collapse

Case contributed by Derek Smith
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Admitted with cough and fever. Normal chest radiograph earlier that day. Now collapse with reduced oxygen saturations and tracheal deviation to the left.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Loss of the left hemidiaphragm with relative lucency of the left hemithorax, although this may be partly due to rotation. Small left pleural effusion.

No pneumothorax.

Normal cardiomediastinal contour. No displaced rib fracture.

Case Discussion

Typical findings of left lower lobe collapse.

Subsequent CTPA demonstrated excess secretions/mucus plugging in the basal airways.

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