Rounded atelectasis: a pulmonary pseudotumor.
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-1992
Abstract
Rounded atelectasis is a benign entity that is often misinterpreted as a pulmonary neoplasm. The roentgenologic appearance of a mass is due to an infolding of atelectatic tissue intermingled with pleura, blood vessels, and bronchi. Rounded atelectasis is usually asymptomatic and is commonly associated with chronic pleural disease or pleural effusions. The distinctive radiologic features include a rounded, pleural-based opacity associated with adjacent pleural thickening and volume loss of the affected lobe. The pathognomonic sign is the "comet tail" that results from the crowding of vessels and bronchi as they enter the atelectatic region. Many authors consider this constellation of findings diagnostic. Rounded atelectasis usually remains stable over time; however, slow growth, as well as diminution in size, has been described. A retrospective analysis revealed 7 cases of rounded atelectasis at our institution over a 9-year period. Three were operated on to exclude malignancy, one was confirmed at operation performed for other reasons, and 3 were followed up expectantly. We conclude that recognition of this entity and its radiologic features can be diagnostic and render further workup, including thoracotomy, unnecessary.
Volume
53
Issue
5
First Page
817
Last Page
821
ISSN
0003-4975
Published In/Presented At
Szydlowski, G. W., Cohn, H. E., Steiner, R. M., & Edie, R. N. (1992). Rounded atelectasis: a pulmonary pseudotumor. The Annals of thoracic surgery, 53(5), 817–821. https://doi.org/10.1016/0003-4975(92)91443-d
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
1570977
Department(s)
Department of Surgery, Department of Surgery Residents, Fellows and Residents
Document Type
Article