CXR Case 048
A 22 year old female presents with fevers and breathlessness
Describe and interpret this CXR
CHEST X-RAY INTERPRETATION
There is increased opacification throughout the left hemithorax with loss of the left heart outline although the left hemidiaphragm remains visible.
Air bronchograms are visible suggesting consolidation.
CLINICAL CORRELATION
This is left upper lobe (including left lingula) pneumonia.
*The sputum was positive for acid fast bacilli – confirming acute tuberculosis. Subsequent HIV test was positive.
CLINICAL PEARLS
Most upper lobe pneumonia’s are not TB, however, this lady was from South Africa – making this diagnosis more likely.
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