Which radiographic finding is typical of postoperative atelectasis?

Which radiographic finding is typical of postoperative atelectasis?

• A. Hyperlucent hemithorax with elevated diaphragm
• B. Loss of volume with elevation of the diaphragm on the affected side
• C. Lobar pneumonia
• D. Pleural effusion with meniscus sign

Answer: (B)

Postoperative atelectasis shows up on chest radiographs as loss of lung volume with elevation of the diaphragm on the affected side. When parts of the lung collapse after surgery, the diminished air-filled space causes the lung to shrink, pulling the diaphragmatic dome upward on that side. You’ll often see basilar, linear areas of increased density and crowding of the bronchovascular markings from the reduced volume. This pattern helps distinguish atelectasis from other postoperative findings: pneumothorax produces a hyperlucent side with a visceral pleural line, pleural effusion creates a blunted angle with a meniscus sign, and lobar pneumonia appears as a localized air-space consolidation rather than volume loss with diaphragmatic elevation.

Postoperative atelectasis shows up on chest radiographs as loss of lung volume with elevation of the diaphragm on the affected side. When parts of the lung collapse after surgery, the diminished air-filled space causes the lung to shrink, pulling the diaphragmatic dome upward on that side. You’ll often see basilar, linear areas of increased density and crowding of the bronchovascular markings from the reduced volume. This pattern helps distinguish atelectasis from other postoperative findings: pneumothorax produces a hyperlucent side with a visceral pleural line, pleural effusion creates a blunted angle with a meniscus sign, and lobar pneumonia appears as a localized air-space consolidation rather than volume loss with diaphragmatic elevation.