Presentation
Dyspnea
Patient Data
Complete collapse of the left upper lobe.
A curvilinear air density in the medial aspect of the left apex, compatible with left lower lobe hyperinflation (Luftsichel sign).
Complete collapse of the left upper lobe with truncation of the left upper lobe bronchus.
Ground-glass opacities bilaterally in lower zones.
The patient declined further evaluation, including bronchoscopy.
Case Discussion
The luftsichel sign is seen in some patients with left upper lobe collapse.
It appears as a curvilinear air density in frontal chest X-ray, between the mediastinum and the collapsed left upper lobe, due to hyperinflation of the superior segment of the left lower lobe.
The cause of the collapse is unknown in this case as the patient declined further investigations.
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