Round atelectasis in an elderly man: the role of thoracotomy
Cuasay, R.S.; Zehr, R.D.
Heart and Lung the Journal of Critical Care 15(2): 202-204
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0147-9563 PMID: 3633250 Document Number: 279005
In summary, a case of round atelectasis appearing subsequent to a pleural effusion in an elderly man 6 months after open heart surgery is reported. Although plain roentgenograms and linear and computerized tomography could help the physician make the diagnosis with confidence, a needle biopsy of the lesion at the very least or exploratory thoracotomy may sometimes still be justified for the properly selected patient.