Atelectasis Flashcards
What is atelectasis?
Collapse of lung or part(s) of lung
How is atelectasis diagnosed?
CXR (volume loss, pulmonary opacification)
What causes primary atelectasis (neonatal atelectasis)?
Inadequate surfactant–>incomplete expansion of lung(s) at birth
Very rare
What are types of secondary atelectasis?
Obstructive
Compression
Contraction
What happens with obstructive atelectasis?
Resorption of alveolar gas distal to bronchial obstruction
What are some causes to obstructive atelectasis?
Neuro-muscular weakness–Poor cough reflex
Post-general anesthesia
What can form the obstruction in obstruction atelectasis?
Mucus Pneumonia Foreign body aspiration Tumor Extrinsic bronchial compression
What is the most common obstruction in childhood obstruction atelectasis?
Mucus… especially with asthma or CF
What happens with compression atelectasis?
Pulmonary collapse due to mass effect
What are some causes of compression atelectasis?
Pleural fluid (effusion)
Air (PTX)
Tumor, cysts, congenital anomalies, lobar hyperinflation/large emphysematous blebs
What happens with contraction atelectasis?
Pulmonary shrinkage due to pleural fibrosis or fibrotic pulmonary interstitial disease
Small lung(s)
What is a risk of not treating atelectasis?
Pneumonia
What can be done post-anesthesia to prevent atelectasis?
Deep ventilation exercises
