Lobar atelectasis: diagnostic pitfalls on chest radiography

Abstract

This pictorial review looks at the pitfalls in the diagnosis of lobar atelectasis on chest radiographs. Lobar atelectasis with marked volume loss is hard to recognize and may be easily missed. Lobar atelectasis presenting as a mass-like opacity may be misdiagnosed as mediastinal or lung tumour. Lobar atelectasis in an unusual location may also be misdiagnosed as other entities. Familiarity with such manifestations and consideration of anatomical alterations as the signs of lobar atelectasis are important in making the correct diagnosis.