Clinical Information

Known severe viral pneumonia on ITU. Tracheostomy

Question

Any important abnormality?

Diagnosis

• Scattered lung shadows consistent with the known viral pneumonia.
• Also . . . collapse with consolidation in the left lower lobe.

Teaching Points

• Left lower lobe collapse is often bad news - due to a bronchial carcinoma - but other causes include airway blockage due to secretions as in this patient on ITU.
• Detecting lower lobe collapse can be difficult. Look for loss of the crisp outline of the left hemidiaphragm with increased density and shadowing behind the heart shadow.