Lung Collapse

Question 1

What are the causes of lobar collapse?

Answer 1

Endobronchial - bronchial CA, carcinoid, cystic carcinoma, mets, lymphoma , benign tumour, granulomatous disorder, hilarious/mediastinal L.N, mediastinal masses, aortic aneurysms, cardiomegaly

Not endobronchial - pneumothorax, pleural effusion, radiation

Question 2

What are the patterns of each lobar collapse?

Answer 2

RUL - elevated horizontal and oblique fissure, increased density at apex of hemithorax adjacent to right mediastinum. Hyperinflation of middle and lower lobes

LUL - oblique fissure displaced, veil like increased density on affected side, loss of left border silhouette

RML - loss of silhouette right border with triangle shaped density.

Lower lobes - oblique fissure displaced posteriorly, superior triangle sign, flat waist sign, superior aortic knuckle outline lost if severe