What is a rounded atelectasis?

Rounded atelectasis is an atypical form of lung collapse that usually occurs adjacent to scarred pleura and can be mistaken for lung cancer. Patients with rounded atelectasis have a history of asbestos exposure or pleural effusion due to various causes.

What causes round atelectasis?

Round atelectasis is a rare lung pseudotumor that is most commonly associated with asbestos-related disease but it may arise from a variety of chronic pleural conditions such as infection, uremia or heart failure and is usually asymptomatic [1, 2].

What are the three types of atelectasis?

The term atelectasis can also be used to describe the collapse of a previously inflated lung, either partially or fully, because of specific respiratory disorders. There are three major types of atelectasis: adhesive, compressive, and obstructive.

What does atelectasis look like on a CT scan?

Definition of Atelectasis: On x-rays and CT scans, reduced volume is seen, accompanied by increased opacity (chest radiograph) or attenuation (CT scan) in the affected part of the lung. Atelectasis is often associated with abnormal displacement of fissures, bronchi, vessels, diaphragm, heart, or mediastinum.

What are the types of atelectasis?

The two main types of atelectasis are obstructive (also called resorptive) and nonobstructive. Obstructive atelectasis happens when something physically blocks your airway. Types of nonobstructive atelectasis include: Relaxation or compressive.

Can atelectasis be cured?

Mild atelectasis may go away without treatment. Sometimes, medications are used to loosen and thin mucus. If the condition is due to a blockage, surgery or other treatments may be needed.

What is the most common cause of atelectasis?

Atelectasis occurs from a blocked airway (obstructive) or pressure from outside the lung (nonobstructive). General anesthesia is a common cause of atelectasis. It changes your regular pattern of breathing and affects the exchange of lung gases, which can cause the air sacs (alveoli) to deflate.

What type of atelectasis is the most common?

Obstructive atelectasis is the most common type and results from reabsorption of gas from the alveoli when communication between the alveoli and the trachea is obstructed. The obstruction can occur at the level of the larger or smaller bronchus.

How do you fix atelectasis?

Treatment

  1. Performing deep-breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) and using a device to assist with deep coughing may help remove secretions and increase lung volume.
  2. Positioning your body so that your head is lower than your chest (postural drainage).
  3. Tapping on your chest over the collapsed area to loosen mucus.

What are 3 causes of atelectasis?

Possible causes of nonobstructive atelectasis include:

  • Injury. Chest trauma — from a fall or car accident, for example — can cause you to avoid taking deep breaths (due to the pain), which can result in compression of your lungs.
  • Pleural effusion.
  • Pneumonia.
  • Pneumothorax.
  • Scarring of lung tissue.
  • Tumor.

Should I worry about atelectasis?

In an adult, atelectasis in a small area of the lung is usually not life threatening. The rest of the lung can make up for the collapsed area, bringing in enough oxygen for the body to function.