Radiological diagnosis of round atelectasis

Round atelectasis [RA] is an interesting form of lung collapse with the characteristic features of a subpleural mass and curved broncho- vascular markings extending from the hilum into its lower pole. This mass always develops secondary to pleural disease. The radiological features of fifteen cases with round atelectasis were reviewed. In all the cases the opacity was in the lower zone [ten in the right, five in the left] and in all of them the characteristic curved course of the broncho-vascular markings was open. Pleural disease was present in all cases [post infection pleural thickening [eight], pleural effusion [four] and pleural plaques secondary to asbestos exposure in three cases]