Atelectasis and Lung collapse****

Question 1

Atelectasis:

What does ‘ateles’ mean?

What does ‘ectasis’ mean?

Answer 1

Incomplete

Expansion - remember dilatation in bronchiectasis

COMPLETE DEFINITION:
Collapse or incomplete expansion of the lung parenchyma.

Question 2

Passive (aka relaxation) atelectasis:

What actually happens causing this?

Causes?

What may it lead to?

Answer 2

Loss of contact between the visceral and parietal pleura

Pneumothorax and pleural effusion

Collapse of the entire lung

Question 3

Obstructive atelectasis:

This is caused by occlusion of the bronchus. How does this cause the lung parenchyma to collapse?

Causes of obstruction?

Answer 3

Occlusion of the bronchus

The air beyond the obstruction is gradually absorbed and the airways collapse

Tumour 
Aspirated foreign body - RMB
Mucous plug - in asthma
Post-operative retention of secretions 
Tracheobronchial lymphadenopathy

Question 4

Linear atelectasis:

This is a small amount of incomplete expansion due to respiratory splinting (reduced inspiratory effort as a result of sharp pain upon inspiration (severe pleuritic chest pain)).

What could cause this?

Answer 4

Post-op pain
Rib fracture
Pleuritic chest pain

Question 5

Compressive atelectasis:

What could cause this?

Answer 5

Chest wall tumour
Pleural effusion
Elevated hemidiaphragm