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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
09:17
Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Fallen lung sign: radiographic findings.
1Department of Radiology, Ege University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey. recep.savas@ege.edu.tr
Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology (Ankara, Turkey)
|September 25, 2008
Summary
The fallen lung sign, a sign of complete bronchial rupture, occurs when a lung collapses and hangs by its vascular attachments. Persistent pneumothorax after chest tube insertion suggests this rare condition.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- The fallen lung sign is a rare radiographic finding indicating a complete bronchial rupture.
- Bronchial rupture often leads to persistent pneumothorax, even after chest tube intervention.
Observation:
- An 8-year-old male presented with persistent right pneumothorax.
- Radiographic findings suggested a complete rupture of the right main bronchus.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited the fallen lung sign, with the right lung collapsed and suspended by its hilum.
- This radiographic appearance confirmed the complete bronchial rupture.
Implications:
- The fallen lung sign is a critical indicator for diagnosing complete bronchial rupture.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial for patients with this condition.
- Further research into the optimal treatment strategies for bronchial rupture is warranted.
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