CTICasesLeft Lung Agenesis with Right Lung Extension into Left Hemithorax
Imaging findings
A chest radiograph initially showed a small left hemithorax with suspected cavitary lesions. CT confirmed the complete absence of a left main bronchus and left pulmonary artery, consistent with left lung agenesis. The right lung demonstrated significant compensatory hyperinflation and extended across the midline, filling the left hemithorax and displacing the aorta to the left. Associated findings included a left superior vena cava.
Key takeaways
Left lung agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the complete absence of the lung, bronchus, and pulmonary vasculature on one side. It leads to a severely hypoplastic hemithorax, marked mediastinal shift, and compensatory hyperinflation and herniation of the contralateral lung. Differentiating agenesis (no bronchial tissue) from aplasia (stump of bronchus) or hypoplasia (underdeveloped lung) is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Associated congenital cardiac and vascular anomalies are common.
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