Mild Dependent Atelectasis: Causes, Symptoms & X-ray Findings

Mild dependent atelectasis: When a dependent lobe of the lung collapses partially, most often the right middle lobe or lingula

- Common in critically ill patients

- Especially prolonged supine position

- Seen on CXR

- Homogeneous opacity and decreased volume of affected lobe

- Can be difficult to distinguish from pneumonia

- Atelectasis: air bronchogram

- Pneumonia: Patchy consolidation