Pulmonary atelectasis from compression of the left main bronchus by an aortic aneurysm

Yap KH, Sulaiman S
Correspondence: Dr Yap Kim Hoong, yapkimhoong@hotmail.com

ABSTRACT
Pulmonary atelectasis may be caused by endobronchial lesions or by extrinsic compression of the bronchus. However, lung collapse due to compression from a thoracic aneurysm is uncommon. We report a 76-year-old hypertensive female patient who has pulmonary atelectasis due to an extrinsic compression from a descending thoracic aortic aneurysm, and discuss possible treatment options.

Keywords: aneurysm, pulmonary atelectasis, thoracic aorta aneurysm
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(7): e247-e249