Atelectasis

From Anvita Health Wiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Etiology 3 Clinical-manifestations 4 Radiology 5 More General Terms 6 References

Introduction

• Collapse of a lung or lung segment occurs secondary to resorption of air behind an obstructed bronchus.

Etiology

• aspirated foreign body
• inspissated mucus, generally postoperative
• endobronchial tumor, usually bronchogenic carcinoma
• compression of the bronchus by enlarged hilar lymph nodes

Clinical-manifestations

• inspiratory chest expansion lag on affected side
• decreased fremitus
• dullness or flatness to percussion
• breath sounds may be absent over affected region

Radiology

• trachea & heart may be shifted towards affected side

More General Terms

• lung disease
• sign/symptom

References

1. Introduction to Clinical Imaging, Radiology Syllabus, UCSF, 1993
2. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 13th ed. Isselbacher et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1994, pg 1146

atelectasis