Definition: Alveolar Collapse Causing Loss of Lung Volume

Risk Factors

• Lung Disease (ARDS, etc.)
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Immobilization
• Postoperative Status
• Chest Wall Trauma
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Pregnancy

Classification/Causes

• Obstructive/Resorptive – Retained Gas Behind Occluded Airway is Resorbed Causing Collapse
  • Develops Faster in Patients with High FiO2
  • Causes: Mucous Plugging, Foreign Body, Tumor Occlusion
• Relaxation/Passive – Loss of Contact Between Parietal and Visceral Pleura
  • From a Pleural Effusion or Pneumothorax
• Compressive – Space Occupying Lesions Cause Compression and Collapse
• Adhesive – Collapse Due to Alveolar Instability
  • May be Related to Surfactant Deficiency
• Cicatricial – Collapse from Severe Parenchymal Scarring
• Replacement – Volume Loss from Tumor Replacement of Alveoli

Presentation

• Most are Asymptomatic
• Cough
• Dyspnea
• Pleuritic Chest Pain
• Complications:
  • Pneumonia
  • Respiratory Failure

Diagnosis

• Can Be a Clinical Diagnosis
• Diagnosis is Primarily Made by Chest Radiography (Chest Xray, CT, etc.)
  • See Lung Opacification or Loss of Lung Volume

Treatment

• Primary Treatment: Incentive Spirometry, Cough, and Deep Breathing Exercise
• May Require Bronchoscopy/Suctioning for Obstructive Causes Such as Foreign Body or Mucous Plugging