Presentation
Serial chest radiographs in an intubated young adult.
From the case:
Mucous plug with left lung collapse
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The lungs are well aerated on the initial film.
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The subsequent film taken 4 hours later demonstrates left hemithorax white-out with mediastinal shift to the left consistent with left lung collapse.
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The final film taken 6 hours later shows resolution of the collapsed left lung.
Case Discussion
These serial findings are consistent with left lung collapse secondary to temporary mucous plugging.