Asymptomatic opacity of the left hemithorax in an adult

Journal Article · Fri Jan 09 00:00:00 EST 1987 · JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.257.2.225· OSTI ID:6796573

Delfa, I L; McLean, J S; Hoffstein, V

A 30-year-old man was admitted for removal of a Silastic rod inserted four months earlier after a traumatic laceration of the flexor tendon of his left fifth finger. Otherwise he was asymptomatic and specifically denied any symptoms referable to the chest (and heart). He was a nonsmoker and had a normal history of development in childhood. The trachea was shifted to the left. The left hemithorax was dull to percussion. Expansion of the chest and vocal and tactile fremitus were reduced over the left hemithorax, and breath sounds also were decreased on the left side. The results of the remainder of the physical examination were completely normal. The roentgenograms of the chest demonstrate almost total opacification of the left hemithorax with narrowing of the intercostal spaces on the left, elevation of the left diaphragmatic leaflet, and marked shift of the mediastinal structures and trachea into the left hemithorax. Tomographic studies of the chest showed absence of the normal carina with no demonstrable bronchus to the left lung. Radionuclide ventilation/perfusion scans were performed. Complete (total) unilateral agenesis of the left lung is an uncommon congenital anomaly usually associated with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and/or vertebral abnormalities.

• Research Organization: St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario
• OSTI ID: 6796573
• Journal Information: JAMA, J. Am. Med. Assoc.; (United States), Vol. 257:2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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