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Lung Cancer in the Collapsed Lobe Following Successful Bronchoscopic Lung Volume Reduction
Daniel B Green1, Lauren K Groner1,2, James F Gruden3
1Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, 525 E 68th St, New York, NY 10065.
Radiology. Cardiothoracic Imaging
|July 23, 2026
Summary
Lung cancer detection is challenging after bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR). This case highlights imaging features of malignancy in collapsed lobes, emphasizing contrast-enhanced CT for improved nodule visibility.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) using endobronchial valves treats severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Patients undergoing BLVR have an increased risk of lung cancer, even in collapsed lobes.
- Nodule detection in collapsed lobes post-BLVR presents significant imaging challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of lung cancer arising in a collapsed lobe after BLVR.
- To highlight key imaging features indicative of malignancy in this specific clinical context.
- To underscore the utility of contrast-enhanced CT in improving nodule conspicuity.
Main Methods:
- Case report presentation.
- Review of imaging findings from noncontrast and contrast-enhanced chest CT.
- Discussion of the challenges in detecting lung nodules in atelectatic lung segments.
Main Results:
- A case of primary lung neoplasm was identified within a collapsed lobe following BLVR.
- Specific imaging characteristics suggestive of a growing malignancy were observed.
- Contrast-enhanced CT demonstrated improved conspicuity of the nodule compared to noncontrast CT.
Conclusions:
- Lung cancer can arise in collapsed lobes after BLVR, posing diagnostic difficulties.
- Contrast-enhanced CT is crucial for detecting and characterizing lung nodules in the post-BLVR setting.
- Radiologists must be vigilant for malignancy in patients with a history of BLVR.
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Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
01:26Pneumothorax-I
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
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