Presentation
Six weeks post left lobectomy for lung cancer.
Patient Data
Triangular retrocardiac opacity in the left lower zone corresponds to a pleural effusion on the lateral projection. Elevation of the left hemidiaphragm. Spinal cord stimulator leads. Metallic artifacts from clothing.
Left lower lobectomy with surgical staples at the left hilum. Pleural fluid fills the left lower lobe cavity. No focal pulmonary nodule in the aerated lung. Emphysema in the upper lobes. Small pneumatocele at the previous chest drain site.
Spinal cord stimulator leads.
Case Discussion
Pleural effusions are relatively common after lobectomy. Normally, the lower pleural cavity has increased pleural fluid turnover compared to the upper pleural cavity. In lower lobectomies, the visceral pleural is resected decreasing pleural fluid turnover as well as there being increased potential space for fluid to collect.
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