Right middle lobe collapse - mucous plugging

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Acute cough and wheeze.

Patient Data

Age: 11 years
Gender: Male

Gross middle lobe collapse is associated with a filling defect in the right bronchus intermedius and poor aeration of the bronchi beyond.  The differential is between a foreign body and a mucous plug. These filling defects have a characteristic V or Y shape.

Annotated image

Arrow shows filling defect in the bronchus.

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