Left upper lobe collapse: Luftsichel sign

Case contributed by Maulik S Patel
Diagnosis certain

Patient Data

Age: 12 years
Gender: Male

Increased translucency in left lung mid-lower zone. There is wedge shaped ground glass haziness in left upper zone with an elevated left hilum. Lucenct band like area is seen in left upper zone between above mentioned wedge shaped ground glass haziness and arch of aorta.

Case Discussion

The wedge-shaped ground glass haziness in left upper zone represents left upper lobe collapse. Lucent band like area in left upper zone represents hyperinflated superior segment of left lower lobe - this is known as "Luftsichel sign". 

Patient has a history left upper lobe tuberculosis two years prior.

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