Presentation
Smoker, cough, respiratory distress.
Patient Data
In the frontal projection there is an increased pulmonary volume, evidenced by lung hyper expansion, more than 9 posterior costal spaces and flattened diaphragms (see third image), this distance should be more than 1,5 cm.
In the lateral projection there is an increased retrosternal space diameter, normally les than 2,5 cms.
Case Discussion
This is a typical appearance of increased lung volume with increased retro-sternal space (more than 2,5 cm), diaphragm flattening (less than 1.5 cm perpendicular distance to the inter recess line) and increased number of exposed intercostal spaces. The diagnosis of COPD relies on clinical assessment and detection of fixed airway obstruction by spirometry.
This case was published with Valentina Díaz MD.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.