pulmonary disorders
Atelectasis
Diagnosis of Atelectasis
Chest x-ray Atelectasis should be suspected in patients who have any unexplained respiratory symptoms and who have risk factors, particularly recent major surgery. Atelectasis that is clinically significant (eg, that causes symptoms, increases risk of complications, or meaningfully affects pulmonary function) is generally visible on chest x-ray; findings can include lung opacification and/or loss of lung volume. If the cause of atelectasis is not clinically apparent (eg, if it is not recent surgery or pneumonia is not identified on chest x-ray) or another disorder is suspected (eg, Pulmonary Embolism (PE) , tumor), other tests, such as bronchoscopy or chest computed tomography (CT), may be necessary. 