Right upper lobe collapse has distinctive features, and is usually easily identified on frontal chest radiographs; much more so than left upper lobe collapse.
For a general discussion please refer to the article on lobar collapse.
Collapse of the right upper lobe is usually relatively easy to identify on frontal radiographs. Features consist of 1-3:
- increased density in the upper medial aspect of the right hemithorax
- elevation of the horizontal fissure
- loss of the normal right medial cardiomediastinal contour
- elevation of the right hilum
- hyperinflation of the right middle and lower lobe result in increased translucency of the mid and lower parts of the right lung
- right juxtaphrenic peak
A common cause of lobar collapse is a hilar mass. When a right hilar mass is combined with collapse of the right upper lobe, the result is an S shape to elevated horizontal fissure. This is known as Golden S sign 1-3.
Non-specific signs indicating right sided atelectasis are also usually present including:
- elevation of the hemidiaphragm
- crowding of the right sided ribs
- shift of the mediastinum and trachea to the right
On the lateral projection it is harder to identify as the soft tissues of the shoulders usually obscure the upper zones, and the collapse is mostly medial. Elevation of the horizontal fissure and upper part of the oblique fissure may be visible 3.
The differential diagnosis of collapse of the right upper lobe includes:
- consolidation of the right upper lobe
- a mass in the medial aspect of the right upper lobe
- a mass in on the right side of the superior mediastinum
- normal cardiomediastinal contour
- lobar collapse
- 1. Clarke C, Dux A. Chest X-Rays for Medical Students. Wiley. (2011) ISBN:0470656190. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 2. Webb WR, Higgins CB. Thoracic Imaging, Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Radiology. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2010) ISBN:1605479764. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon
- 3. Coche EE, Ghaye B, Mey JD. Comparative Interpretation of CT and Standard Radiography of the Chest. Springer Verlag. (2010) ISBN:3540799419. Read it at Google Books - Find it at Amazon