Case Forty-Five

Case Summary

Diagnosis:  Left Lower Lobe Atelectasis


Clinical hints:

Commonly seen in ICU patients especially after bypass or cardiac surgery. Mechanism not fully understood. If due to aspiration or mucus plugging, need bronchoscopy.


Radiological Pearls:
  • typical "sail sign" behind heart
     
  • seen often after cardiac surgery
     
  • left hemi-diaphragm silhouetted
     
  • may be miscalled a left effusion
     

Films were kindly provided by Dr. W. J. Weiser.

 

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