Unilateral hyperlucent lung with decreased vascular markings (Swyer-James syndrome)

When diagnosing unilateral hyperlucency on a X-ray picture one of the possible underlying conditions is the Swyer-James Syndrome. It consists principally of hyperlucency, diminished size, deficient blood supply, decreased ventilation, and bronchiectasis of the affected lung. Frequently a preceding pneumonia, caused by adenovirus, seems to be of aetiological importance. A yound patient, in whom the Swyer-James Syndrome was diagnosed on clinical, radiological, angiographical and ventilatory symptoms, suffered from pneumonia shortly before. This pneumonia was probably caused by adenovirus type 7, as appears from this virus being isolated from the faeces at that time. Treatment of this condition consists of antibiotics, mucolytics, bronch-spasmolytis, and physiotherapy. Surgery is rarely indicated.