Presentation
Shortness of breath
Patient Data
Age: Adult
Gender: Male
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/15139/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
PA chest x-ray demonstrated some increase in density in the right lower zone, medially. The right heart border is somewhat ill-defined. The horizontal fissure cannot be identified.
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/15140/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
Lateral projection demonstrates a triangular opacity projecting over the cardiac shadow. The horizontal fissure cannot be identified.
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_examine_pipeline_reports":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/15198/annotated_viewer_json?iframe=true\u0026lang=us"}
On frontal projection the right heart border is not clearly seen (blue dashed line). On lateral projection the right middle lobe appears as a wedge of increased density (orange arrows).
Case Discussion
This case illustrates the typical appearance of right middle lobe collapse and the importance of a lateral film in confirming the abnormality.