Images in a 50-year-old male patient with history of previous hospitalizations due to respiratory infections in childhood. A, coronal, B, axial maximum intensity projection, and, C,D, volume-rendered chest CT images show diffusely decreased attenuation of the right lung with signs of marked hypoperfusion and bronchiectasis, some with mucous plugging. There is volume reduction of the right lung, mainly in its upper lobe, with asymmetry of the pulmonary arteries, which are preserved in the left lung.
Swyer-James-MacLeod syndrome, also known as unilateral hyperlucent lung syndrome, is a complication of postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans, explained by inflammation and fibrosis of the interalveolar septa and bronchial and bronchiolar walls, resulting in bronchial narrowing and obliteration of the pulmonary capillary bed. There is reduced ventilation in corresponding regions associated with vasoconstriction and chronic hypoxia that leads to decreased arterial perfusion and pulmonary hypoplasia with volume reduction (1–3). It is usually symptomatic and commonly diagnosed in childhood (1,2).
Footnotes
Disclosures of Conflicts of Interest: L.d.P.G.d.F. disclosed no relevant relationships. E.K.U.N.F. disclosed no relevant relationships. R.C.C. disclosed no relevant relationships. M.V.Y.S. disclosed no relevant relationships.
References
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