3D Imaging in Unilateral Primary Pulmonary Hypoplasia in an Adult: A Case Report. (22nd August 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Georgescu, Aristida; Nuta, Crinu; Bondari, Simona
• Other Names: Agrawal A. Academic Editor.; Andersen P. E. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in radiology. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-08-22
• Subjects: Radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology -- Case studies -- Periodicals; Medical radiology -- Periodicals; Radiology; Radiology; Medical radiology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; Case studies; Periodicals; 616.0757
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/659586
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6862

Abstract

Abstract : Unilateral primary pulmonary hypoplasia is rare in adulthood (UPHA); it is characterized by a decreased number of bronchial segmentation and decreased/absent alveolar air space. Classical chest X-ray may be confusing, and the biological tests are unspecific. We present a case of UPHA in a 60-year-old female, smoker, with 3 term normal deliveries, who presented with late recurrent pneumonias and bronchiectasis-type symptomathology, arterial hypertension, and obesity. Chest X-rays revealed opacity in the left lower pulmonary zone, an apparent hypoaerated upper left lobe and left deviation of the mediastinum. Preoperatory multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) presented a small retrocardiac left lung with 5-6 bronchial segmentation range and cystic appearance. After pneumonectomy the gross specimen showed a small lung with multiple bronchiectasis and small cysts, lined by hyperplasic epithelium, surrounded by stromal fibrosclerosis. We concluded that this UPHA occurred in the 4–7 embryonic weeks, and the 3D MDCT reconstructions offered the best noninvasive diagnosis.