Korean Journal of Radiology

The Korean Society of Radiology (대한영상의학회)
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Migrating Lobar Atelectasis of the Right Lung: Radiologic Findings in Six Patients

  • Tae Sung Kim (Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Kyung Soo Lee (Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jung Hwa Hwang (Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • In Wook Choo (Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine) ;
  • Jae Hoon Lim (Department of Radiology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine)
  • Received : 1999.10.19
  • Accepted : 2000.02.09
  • Published : 2000.03.31
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Abstract

Objective: To describe the radiologic findings of migrating lobar atelectasis of the right lung. Materials and Methods: Chest radiographs (n = 6) and CT scans (n = 5) of six patients with migrating lobar atelectasis of the right lung were analyzed retrospectively. The underlying diseases associated with lobar atelectasis were bronchogenic carcinoma (n = 4), bronchial tuberculosis (n = 1), and tracheobronchial amyloidosis (n = 1). Results: Atelectasis involved the right upper lobe (RUL) (n = 3) and both the RUL and right middle lobe (RML) (n = 3). On supine anteroposterior radiographs (n = 5) and on an erect posteroanterior radiograph (n = 1), the atelectatic lobe(s) occupied the right upper lung zone, with a wedge shape abutting onto the right mediastinal border. On erect posteroanterior radiographs (n = 6), the heavy atelectatic lobe(s) migrated downward, forming a peri- or infrahilar area of increased opacity and obscuring the right cardiac margin. Erect lateral radiographs (n = 4) showed inferior shift of the anterosuperiorly located atelectatic lobe(s) to the anteroinferior portion of the hemithorax. Conclusion: Atelectatic lobe(s) can move within the hemithorax according to changes in a patient s position. This process involves the RUL or both the RUL and RML.

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References

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