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Acute aspiration pneumonitis

Case contributed by Henry Knipe
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Low saturations post-operative.

Patient Data

Age: 80 years
Gender: Male

Day 0 post-operative

x-ray

Dense right mid to upper zone consolidation, predominantly perihilar. Left lung is clear. No pleural effusion. ETT tip projects at T2/3. 

Day 1 post-operative

x-ray

Right mid to upper zone consolidation is resolving. The patient has been extubated. 

Day 2 post-operative

x-ray

The right mid to upper zone consolidation has essentially resolved. No new region of consolidation. No pleural effusion. 

Case Discussion

The patient was noted to aspirate at anesthetic induction. Classic location (right upper lobe) with fast resolution (48 hours). Infective consolidation typically takes much longer to clear.

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