[Round atelectasis of the lung: clinicopathological study of 6 cases and review of the literature]

Abstract

Objective: To report about 6 new patients with round atelectasis of the lung, 1 of them professionally exposed to asbestos and another to silicates.

Results: The patients, 5 males and 1 female, presented with a peripheral, rounded pulmonary opacity, simulating a neoplasm. The examination of the surgical specimen revealed a pleuritis, with multiple pleural folding: the underlying lung parenchima was compressed, but otherwise unremarkable.

Conclusions: Round atelectasis is relatively unusual for the pathologist. However, the correct diagnosis is potentially important, because the lesion can be the sign of a significant asbestos exposure.