Right middle lobe torsion: evaluation with CT angiography

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

• Post-surgical complications following lobectomy require accurate and timely diagnosis.
• Right upper lobectomy is a common procedure for various lung conditions.
• Early identification of complications like lobe torsion is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

• A rare case of right middle lobe torsion is presented after a right upper lobectomy.
• The patient experienced a complication involving the displacement and torsion of the right middle lobe.

Findings:

• High-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) angiography accurately identified the obstructed right middle lobe bronchus.
• HR-CT angiography revealed the avascular nature of the infected and displaced right middle lobe.
• The detailed imaging provided sufficient information for diagnosis.

Implications:

• Modern multislice HR-CT scanners, with appropriate protocols, can reliably diagnose right middle lobe torsion.
• This diagnostic approach may reduce the necessity for additional confirmatory procedures.
• Enhanced imaging capabilities improve the management of post-lobectomy complications.