Round atelectasis

Case contributed by Andrea Molinari
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

The patient underwent a routine preoperative chest x-ray for inguinal hernia treatment.

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male
x-ray

Right inferior lobe perihilar well-defined opacity.

Blunting of the right costophrenic angle indicative of a small basal pleural effusion.

ct

Scans demonstrate an oval-shaped well-defined pulmonary consolidation in the right lower lobe associated with pleural effusion and curvilinear opacities that extend from the mass toward the ipsilateral hilum (comet tail sign).

Basal atelectasis and parenchymal bands are also evident in the left lower lobe and perifissural superior lobe.

Case Discussion

This case illustrates the typical radiological findings of round atelectasis.  

Posterior lower lobes are the most affected part of the lung.

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