Chest computerized tomographic scan and flexible fiberopticbronchoscopy in the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome. |
Nam Ho Lee, Hong Leyol Lee, Se Kye Kim, Joon Kim Chang, Sung Kyu Sung, Won Young Lee |
Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea |
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Abstract |
Background As weJl as fiberoptic bronchoscopy, chest computerized tomographic scan can now differentiate the benign from malignant causes and the obstructive from non-obstructive causes of lung collapse. This study was designed to evaluate the usefulness of chest CT scan and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome.
Methods We reviewed the clinical features, roentgenographic changes, pathologic findings and bronchoscopic findings in 16 patients with middle lobe syndrome who were admitted to Severance Hospital during period of January, 1987 through January, 1992.
Results The male to female ratio was 1:1. The most common symptoms were cough and sputums.
Crackle was the most common physical finding. Underlying disease was lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis and endobronchial tuberculosis in 3 each other, benign stenosis in 2, lung abscess, broncholithiasis, bronchial chondroma, pneumonia and nonspecific inflammation in 1 each other.
Conclusion We conclude that the combination of chest computerized tomogram and fiberoptic bronchoscopy was most desirable for the diagnosis of middle lobe syndrome. |
Key Words:
Middle lobe syndrome, diagnostic significance, Computerized tomogram, Fiberoptic bronchoscopy |
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