CTICasesPectus Excavatum with Cosmetic Chest Implant Mimicking Pneumonia
Imaging findings
Serial chest radiographs show a persistent, dense right lower-lung zone opacity mimicking a severe, non-resolving pneumonia. Lateral radiographs and abdominal computed tomography images demonstrate a severe, asymmetric pectus excavatum deformity with the sternum tilted to the right, and bilateral cosmetic chest wall implants. The larger right-sided implant corresponds directly to the pseudo-pneumonia opacity seen on the frontal radiographs.
Key takeaways
Pectus excavatum can cause asymmetric right-sided chest wall opacities on frontal radiographs. When paired with synthetic cosmetic implants designed to fill the sternal defect, the implant's density can closely simulate persistent consolidation or pneumonia on frontal projections, a pitfall easily resolved by looking at the lateral projection or cross-sectional imaging.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis and Desquamative Interstitial PneumoniaILD
- Achalasia Mimicking TraumaOther
- Plexiform Arteriopathy in Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial HypertensionVascular
- Wandering Pleural BulletTrauma
- Accidental Right Subclavian Artery CatheterizationIatrogenic
- Pericardial Effusion with Epicardial Fat SignInflammatory
- Mediastinal Lymphatic-Venous MalformationCongenital
- Fibrotic Hypersensitivity PneumonitisILD
See all cases from August 8, 2021 →
Related Artifact cases
- Intravascular Fat in the Pulmonary Artery (Intravascular Lipoma)
- Overlying Hair and Deodorant/Talc Artifacts Mimicking Interstitial Lung Disease and Calcification
- Hyperthermia Treated with Ice Packs
- Hyperthermia-Induced Cardiac Arrest with Ice Pack Artifacts
- Surgicel (Hemostatic Material) Mimicking Postoperative Mediastinal Abscess
- Bronchial Artery to Pulmonary Artery Shunt Mimicking Pulmonary Embolism