CXR Case 014
74 yo male presents in severe respiratory distress and is intubated
Describe and interpret this CXR
CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION
There is complete white out on the left side.
Features are consistent with complete collapse of the left lung.
The trachea is deviated to the left and the right heart border is not visible suggesting mediastinal shift to the left.
*There is an ETT and NG tube in situ*
CLINICAL CORRELATION
* Features are consistent with complete collapse of the left lung*
This can be caused by a sputum plug in the left main bronchus or endobronchial tumour.
CLINICAL PEARLS
Bronchoscopy may be diagnostic for microbiology but also therapeutic if there are retained secretions.
Other therapy for sputum plugging includes adequate hydration, intermittent positive pressure and chest physio.
TOP 150 CXR SERIES
Prof Fraser Brims Curtin Medical School, acute and respiratory medicine specialist, immediate care in sport doc, ex-Royal Navy, academic| Top 100 CXR | Google Scholar | ICIS Course ANZ