Left lower lobe collapse

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath. Weight loss.

Patient Data

Age: 55 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Triangular density behind the heart. 

The left hilum is inferiorly displaced.

Volume loss in the left hemithorax.

Case Discussion

All the classical features of a tight left lower lobe collapse:

1.  Left retrocardiac density shaped like a sail - the 'sail sign'

2.  Volume loss in the hemithorax.

3.  Inferiorly displaced 'hidden' left hilum.

This is due to lung cancer until proven otherwise.

This is a classic rapid reporting or viva film for the FRCR 2B.

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