CTICasesEnd-Stage Sarcoidosis with Anterior Pneumothorax
Imaging findings
Chest CT and radiograph show end-stage sarcoidosis characterized by upper-lobe predominant fibrosis, paracicatricial emphysema, and retraction of the hila. In the setting of recurrent pneumothoraces and prior pleurodesis, a repeat radiograph shows a dramatic leftward deviation of the anterior junction line, which CT confirms is caused by a large, localized anterior pneumothorax tracking into a specific pocket of the pleura where it is not restricted by adhesions.
Key takeaways
In patients with end-stage fibrotic lung disease who have had prior pleurodesis, recurrent pneumothoraces may not present with classic pleural lines due to extensive pleural adhesions. Instead, pleural air can collect in isolated pockets, such as the anterior mediastinum, leading to severe deviation of normal radiographic landmarks like the anterior junction line.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Pectus Excavatum with Bi-atrioventricular Valve Prolapse and Mitral Annular DisjunctionCongenital
- Thymoma (Assessed with Retrospectively Gated CT)Neoplastic
- Idiopathic Dendriform Pulmonary OssificationMetabolic
- Resolving Post-COVID Diffuse Alveolar DamageILD
- Diaphragmatic Eventration with Zahn's FurrowCongenital
- Renal Osteodystrophy with Vertebral Brown TumorMetabolic
- Congenital Pulmonary Airway MalformationCongenital
- Post-Thromboendarterectomy Pulmonary HemorrhageVascular
See all cases from August 20, 2021 →
Related Autoimmune cases
- Sarcoidosis Presenting with Uveitis and a Miliary Nodular Pattern
- ANCA-Associated Vasculitis (Microscopic Polyangiitis) Presenting with Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage
- Rheumatoid Arthritis-Associated Constrictive Bronchiolitis
- Graves' Disease-Associated True Thymic Hyperplasia
- Giant Left Atrium Secondary to Rheumatic Heart Disease
- Pulmonary Sarcoidosis (Fairy Ring Sign)