Key result
CT and bronchoscopy identify left upper lobe torsion following pneumothorax management.
Why the study?
Lobar torsion is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur after pneumothorax and may be difficult to recognize despite appropriate management.
Case Report (n=1)
Lobar torsion should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistently abnormal chest imaging despite appropriate management after complications of routine procedures.
Non-resolving pneumothorax after subclavian access may signal lobe torsion; this case leaves open incidence and prevention data.
We report a case of left upper lobe torsion in a patient who had a pneumothorax as a complication of subclavian venous access for an elective neurosurgical operation. Despite appropriate management of the pneumothorax, the patient's chest radiograph did not improve. Computed tomography of the chest was concerning for left upper lobe torsion. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed near complete obstruction of the left upper lobe bronchus. Review of computed tomography imaging before and after bronchoscopy and subsequent thoracotomy confirmed lobar torsion. Consideration of lobar torsion in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistently abnormal chest imaging despite appropriate management after complications of routine procedures is important for early recognition and intervention of a potentially life-threatening problem.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pan et al. (2018) conducted a case report in Left upper lobe torsion in pneumothorax (n=1). Diagnostic imaging and bronchoscopy was evaluated on Diagnosis of lobar torsion. Left upper lobe torsion was identified via computed tomography and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in a patient with persistently abnormal chest imaging after pneumothorax management.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: