Spontaneous whole-lung torsion after massive pleural effusion and atelectasis

Ann Thorac Surg. 2014 Jan;97(1):329-32. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2013.04.133.

Abstract

We present a case of whole-lung torsion after massive pleural effusion and atelectasis. A 79-year-old woman with a history of recent pneumonia and pleurisy presented to our hospital and complained of left leg edema and pain that was considered to be vasculitis. A sagittal computed tomography (CT) scan showed that her whole right lung had a 120-degree counterclockwise torsion toward the hilum. We obtained and compared a CT image from the previous doctor. By comparing the CT scans, we determined that lung torsion had progressed gradually. To our knowledge, this is the first report that confirms the progress of whole-lung torsion with CT images.

Keywords: 11.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Lung / surgery
  • Pleural Effusion / complications*
  • Pleural Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / complications*
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted / methods
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Torsion Abnormality / diagnostic imaging
  • Torsion Abnormality / etiology*
  • Torsion Abnormality / surgery*
  • Treatment Outcome