CTICasesLobar Torsion after Lung Resection
Imaging findings
Post-operative CT after left upper lobe wedge resection and left lower lobe superior segmentectomy in a patient with recurrent adenocarcinoma demonstrates swirling of the bronchovascular bundles at the hilum of the left lower lobe with adjacent consolidation and staple lines from prior resection, raising concern for post-operative lobar torsion.
Key takeaways
Lobar torsion is a rare but life-threatening complication of thoracic surgery in which a residual lobe rotates on its bronchovascular pedicle, causing ischemia. CT demonstrates a swirling pattern of the bronchovascular bundles at the lobar hilum (the whirl sign), consolidation of the torsed lobe, and proximity to the surgical staple line. Prompt recognition and surgical detorsion are essential.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Cardiac AL Amyloidosis — Late-Phase CT Enhancement PatternMetabolic
- Limited (Incomplete) Aortic Dissection with Progressive EvolutionVascular
- Bilateral Lower Lobe Atelectasis Mimicking Pleural Effusion on Supine RadiographOther
- Bronchiectasis and Tracheitis Associated with Ulcerative ColitisAutoimmune
- COVID-19 Pneumonia with Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema and Macklin EffectInfection
- LVAD Outflow Graft Thrombosis with Splenic InfarctionIatrogenic
- Total Artificial Heart (SynCardia) — CT AppearanceIatrogenic
- Tracheobronchial Diverticula in AsthmaOther
See all cases from February 12, 2021 →
Related Iatrogenic cases
- Calcified Fibrin Sheath from Central Venous Catheter
- Pulmonary Vein Occlusion after Pulmonary Vein Ablation with Pseudo-PE Phenomenon
- Retained Doppler Flow Monitor Wire in Breast Reconstruction Flap
- Melanoma Biopsy Tract Seeding
- Transient Diaphragmatic Paralysis Secondary to Interscalene Block
- Embolized Fractured Thrombolysis Catheter Fragment