Left lower lobe pneumonia - retrocardiac consolidation

Case contributed by Andrew Van
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Left sided pleuritic chest and flank pain.

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Female

Rounded airspace opacities are seen behind the heart and left hemidiaphragm within the left lower lobe.

Dense mass-like airspace consolidation in the posterior basal segment of the left lower lobe.

Case Discussion

The retrocardiac consolidation was initially not identified by the treating team and a CT KUB was ordered to further investigate the patient's persisting pain and elevated serum inflammatory markers. The non-uploaded unenhanced abdominal viscera were normal. A course of oral antibiotics for community acquired pneumonia was subsequently commenced.

Although very unlikely in this age group, a 6 week follow up radiograph after resolution of symptoms should be recommended to exclude neoplasm due to the rounded mass-like appearance of the consolidation.

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