Atelectasis
Atelectasis
It is a very common finding in chest X-rays and other radiological studies, and may be caused by normal exhalation or by various medical conditions. Although frequently described as a collapse of lung tissue, atelectasis is not synonymous with a pneumothorax, which is a more specific condition that can cause atelectasis. Acute atelectasis may occur as a post-operative complication or as a result of surfactant deficiency. In premature babies, this leads to infant respiratory distress syndrome.
Atelectasis
The term uses combining forms of atel- + ectasis, from Greek: ἀτελής, "incomplete" + Greek: ἔκτασις, "extension".
Signs and symptoms
May have no signs and symptoms or they may include:
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