Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 4, 2026
06:15
Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Lobar emphysema and atelectasis syndrome, a nosological unity
E Ring-Mrozik1, W C Hecker, A Nerlich
1Clinic of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Haunersche Children's Hospital, University of Munich.
Summary
Atelectasis syndrome and lobar emphysema share similar causes and can be reversible. However, severe or prolonged cases, particularly those involving bronchial malformations, often necessitate surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Atelectasis syndrome and lobar emphysema present with overlapping morphological features.
- These conditions can arise from bronchial malformations, external compression, or inflammatory processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential nosological unity between atelectasis syndrome and lobar emphysema.
- To analyze the clinical manifestations and management of these two pulmonary conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series analysis.
- Review of clinical data from 9 patients with atelectasis syndrome and 16 patients with lobar emphysema.
- Morphological and clinical assessment of pulmonary processes.
Main Results:
- Both conditions share common etiologies, including congenital bronchial abnormalities.
- Ventilation mechanics influence the clinical presentation, with over-expansion often seen in atelectasis syndrome and atelectasis in lobar emphysema.
- Reversibility is possible unless bronchial malformations are present; prolonged or acute cases require surgery.
Conclusions:
- Atelectasis syndrome and lobar emphysema may represent a unified nosological entity due to shared underlying pathologies.
- Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing these potentially life-threatening conditions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:08Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
01:10Atelectasis II: Pathophysiology
Atelectasis develops when alveoli lose their air and collapse inward. Because lung tissue is naturally elastic, these air sacs shrink rather than remaining open. Collapsed alveoli are no longer ventilated, reducing their role in gas exchange. Blood flow may continue in these regions, creating a ventilation–perfusion mismatch. Clinical findings include decreased breath sounds, dullness to percussion, reduced chest expansion, and decreased tactile fremitus as sound transmission through collapsed...
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
Emphysema, a major phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is characterized by irreversible destruction of alveolar walls and permanent enlargement of distal airspaces. Unlike chronic bronchitis, which primarily affects the airways, emphysema predominantly involves the lung parenchyma, where structural damage leads to airflow limitation.PathophysiologyIt most commonly results from prolonged exposure to cigarette smoke and other toxic gases, particularly cigarette smoke.
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...
01:19Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, or COPD, is a long-term condition marked by persistent and only partially reversible airflow limitation. It involves two overlapping conditions—chronic bronchitis and emphysema—which often co-appear but differ in dominant symptoms and underlying mechanisms.Chronic Bronchitis FeaturesChronic bronchitis presents with a persistent productive cough and thick, sometimes purulent mucus due to airway inflammation, enlarged mucus glands, and goblet cell...