CTICasesLung Cancer arising in Rounded Atelectasis
Imaging findings
Chest CT shows features of rounded atelectasis in the right lower lobe, including a pleural effusion, visceral pleural thickening, and a subpleural mass with a 'comet-tail' sign. However, PET/CT demonstrates a focal, hypermetabolic soft-tissue component tucked within the atelectasis. Biopsy of the hypermetabolic area confirms bronchogenic carcinoma.
Key takeaways
Rounded atelectasis is a benign form of lung collapse associated with pleural disease (such as asbestos exposure). While typically benign and monitored, primary lung carcinoma can arise adjacent to or within rounded atelectasis, or the tumor itself can invoke a pleural reaction leading to secondary rounded atelectasis. PET/CT is helpful in demonstrating focal hypermetabolism within the collapse, warranting biopsy.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Telangiectatic OsteosarcomaNeoplastic
- Mucinous AdenocarcinomaNeoplastic
- Superinfected Pulmonary AdenocarcinomaNeoplastic
- Double Artery SignArtifact
- Anomalous Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary ArteryCongenital
- REBOA Catheter PlacementIatrogenic
- Right Lung AgenesisCongenital
- Myocardial Microvascular ObstructionVascular
See all cases from December 21, 2017 →