Severe pulmonary emphysema

Case contributed by Ian Bickle
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Smoker. Dyspnea. Infection?

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female
x-ray

Severely hyperinflated lungs with emphysematous changes.

Heart size normal.

Case Discussion

This is a case of severe emphysema.

Radiological features include:

  • Flattened diaphragms
  • 11 posterior ribs in the mid clavicular line at the level of the diaphragm (gross hyperinflated)
  • Thin appearance to heart (tiny cardio-thoracic ratio)
  • Variability in the density of vessels in the lungs 

 

 

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