The bronchoscopy is performed to identify what may be causing an obstruction that is causing bibasilar atelectasis. The aim of each classification approach is to help identify possible underlying causes together with other accompanying radiological and clinical findings. Its most common in children. The various causes of bibasilar atelectasis are divided into two categoriesnon-obstructive bibasilar atelectasis due to pressure from outside the lung and obstructive bibasilar atelectasis caused by a blocked airway. J98.11 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Reference article, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 04 Mar 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-66464. In other words, the affected part of the lung lets less light through it. Treatments of Bibasilar Atelectasis. In the case of a cancerous tumor, treatment may include surgical removal, radiation, or chemotherapy. In some cases, surgical removal of the atelectasized area is required. in this case means that small portions of the lung are not filled with air/. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CT scan of lungs ruled out oulmonary embolism but showed minor dependency change and atelectasis. In normal lung, gravity gradients exist in end-inspiration between the apex and lung base of 4:1 in the erect patient and between the anterior and posterior lung of 2.5:1 in the supine patient 1. Tumor inside the airway. Scarring keeps the alveoli from opening properly. Can someone translate? The condition is treated based upon what is triggering the condition. Pathology: The Big Picture. Impaired swallowing is also a risk factor, especially in older adults. Atelectasis in children or children can show deadly, especially if it impacts a big part of the lungs. Scuba Certification; Private Scuba Lessons; Scuba Refresher for Certified Divers; Try Scuba Diving; Enriched Air Diver (Nitrox) A condition that blocks the small airways (branches) in your lungs, preventing normal lung expansion. The chest CT scan is done for two purposes: to confirm findings from the chest x-ray and to look for possible obstructions (i.e. Certain chronic infections can restrict the air passages and cause scarring in the lungs. The particular way the lung collapses can often produce a false mass-like appearance. This condition impacts both the left and right lungs. 1988;150 (4): 757-63. However, if you do have symptoms, the most common ones may be: difficulty breathing. Relaxation atelectasis: This type occurs once negative pressure is lost in the pleural cavity, the thin, fluid-filled space between the lungs and the chest wall. Cicatricial atelectasis: A type of bibasilar atelectasis that results from fibrosis or scarring that decreases lung expansion. . Skip to content. The causes of bibasilar atelectasis are divided into two categoriesobstructive bibasilar atelectasis caused by a blocked airway and non-obstructive bibasilar atelectasis due to pressure from outside the lung. My xray today showed mildly hyperaerated lungs, and mild bibasilar atelectasis. Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. This is a common location for abnormalities. Table 3: Differential Diagnosis of CT Ground-Glass Opacities in the COVID-19 Era. However, if you do have symptoms, the most common ones may be: Difficulty breathing is the primary symptom that youll notice. By A. Mendelson, MD May 4, 2022. Dependent means the lower area, related to the effect of gravity. The term. Read on to learn more about the potential causes of non-obstructive bibasilar atelectasis. Chest x- ray and CT scans showed an RUL mass, atelectasis, mediastinal widening, and a right-sided pleural effusion. CT scan. The percentage cross-sectional area of atelectasis in dependent lung regions were measured from the CT images obtained at cross-section of the xiphoid process and the top of the diaphragm. likely is not significant, and simply related to gravity and/or a less than complete depth of inspiration at the moment of the scan. Ground glass opacity (GGO) refers to the hazy gray areas that can show up in CT scans or X-rays of the lungs. Stretching during pregnancy is not something dangerous and forbidden for you and the fetus. 5. My heart also has had periods of fast beating out of nowhere, which took me to the emergency room last Tuesday, where they did a CT scan. In non-obstructive bibasilar atelectasis, something is creating pressure from outside the lungs, such as a trauma or injury, anesthesia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, pneumonia, scarring of lung tissue, or a tumor. This type of atelectasis is normally detected during a chest computerized tomography (CT) scan or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. There are many different types of atelectasis. Overview. Mucus accumulating in your lungs which causes a mucus plug to form. In this type, there is not a lesion obstruction. in t Atelecasis is a common finding. Said I have Minimal dependent atelectasis at lung bases. A chest injury or rib fracture that causes severe pain. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. That delay could result in infections like pneumonia. 3. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. An abnormal growth (tumor) in the airway. In other words, alveoli will get trapped and lead to atelectasis in fibrotic disorders. should i be concerned? For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. 14,530 satisfied customers. 7. It can be caused by pressure outside of your lung, a blockage, low airflow or scarring. Posterior dependent atelectasis bilaterally. A bronchoscopy is when your doctor views your lungs through a viewing tube into your bronchus. A lung specialist (pulmonologist), radiologist, primary care doctor, or emergency medicine doctor will often diagnose the condition. The small portion of the lung that collapses under the impact of gravity normally re-expands on its own (dont despair) once you stand or change your position. The earlier this condition is diagnosed, the lower your chances are of having serious complications. Bibasilar atelectasis: Symptoms, causes, and complications. are either or both d/t pah? These include: The diagnosis for those experiencing this form of atelectasis readies with the condition generally cleaning up with a change in posture. scan showed "bibasilar atelectasis" & an enlarged liver. Other treatments used to clear excess mucus from the lungs include postural draining, chest clapping or percussion, and certain medications designed to open the airways or loosen mucus. Ultrasound. Given that very little reliant atelectasis impacts just a small part of the lungs, the symptoms are usually not too severe. J Thorac Imaging. plate, band, discoid) atelectasis, acute unilateral airspace opacification (differential), acute bilateral airspace opacification (differential), acute airspace opacification with lymphadenopathy (differential), chronic unilateral airspace opacification (differential), chronic bilateral airspace opacification (differential), osteophyte induced adjacent pulmonary atelectasis and fibrosis, pediatric chest x-ray in the exam setting, normal chest x-ray appearance of the diaphragm, posterior tracheal stripe/tracheo-esophageal stripe, obliteration of the retrosternal airspace, Anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive interstitial lung disease, leflunomide-induced acute interstitial pneumonia, fibrotic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitisassociated interstitial lung disease, diagnostic HRCT criteria for UIP pattern - ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT (2011), diagnostic HRCT criteria for UIP pattern - Fleischner society guideline (2018), domestically acquired particulate lung disease, lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (formerly non-mucinous BAC), micropapillary predominant adenocarcinoma, invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (formerly mucinous BAC), lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces, primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung, large cell neuroendocrine cell carcinoma of the lung, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) of lung, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung, diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH), calcifying fibrous pseudotumor of the lung, IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) 8th edition (current), IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) 7th edition (superseeded), 1996 AJCC-UICC Regional Lymph Node Classification for Lung Cancer Staging, occurs as a result of complete obstruction of an airway, no new air can enter the portion of the lung distal to the obstruction and any air that is already there is eventually absorbed into the pulmonary capillary system, leaving a collapsed section of the affected lung, because the visceral and parietal pleura do not separate in resorptive atelectasis, traction is created, and if the loss of volume is considerable, mobile thoracic structures may be pulled toward the side of volume loss ("mediastinal shift"). If the pressure on the lungs is due to cause on the exterior like a growth or blockage, that condition is resolved. An inability to move due to injury, illness, or disability. i have severe pain in my chest. Bibasilar atelectasis may not have any symptoms that you'll notice. I also have swelling on my ribs, my arms and back, what can this mean? So, generally, when you put down the top of your lungs collapsed a little with gravity. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Atelectasis is often associated with abnormal displacement of fissures, bronchi, vessels, diaphragm, heart, or mediastinum. While the oxygen goes into the bloodstream, the CO2 from the body gets in the lungs through the blood vessels and is exhaled out. I've had a lot of issues with lung congestion so I take one regular mucinex 3 days a week. Sign Up for the Latest Health News and Tips, Home General Health Bibasilar Atelectasis: Types, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention. This causes your alveoli to collapse. You inhale air and the air sacs in the lungs fill with this air. This results in the affected individual having problems with breathing normally. An abnormal growth can also narrow the airways in the lungs. In adults, it is normally temporary and solves without treatment as soon as the condition triggering the atelectasis heals. Although it is similar to pneumothorax, bibasilar atelectasis is caused by different conditions and situations. This is because anesthesia changes your regular breathing pattern while also interfering with the absorption of pressures and gases. Atelectasis is thought to be minor when compared to the lung tissue damage caused by the scarring. The obstructive category of this condition means its caused by something thats in the way or obstructing the airway. Differentiation of pulmonary parenchymal consolidation from pleural disease using the sonographic fluid bronchogram. Whats bibasilar atelectasis? Atelectasis is not the same as another type of collapsed lung called pneumothorax, which occurs when air escapes from the lung. Atelectasis frequently has few symptoms if it develops gradually or includes just a small part of the lung. To learn more, please visit our. occurs as a result of scarring or fibrosis that reduces lung expansion. I have pulmonary arterial hypertension (pah). If youve recently had surgery or have an underlying condition and have any new or worrisome symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. If your excess weight pushes on your lungs, it may be difficult for you to take a deep breath which may lead to this condition. In case the atelectasis is caused by a clog, you will have to undergo a medical procedure called a bronchoscopy. Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. "Bibasilar" locates this atelectasis t. Read More. During surgery, the lungs respond to medication by decreasing the rate of inflation, which allows mucus to gather and collect in the airway. Chest X-ray Findings: The disease affecting the bibasilar airways may be alveolar edoema. Home / Uncategorized / minimal bibasilar atelectasis on ct scan. Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is a common way to diagnose bibasilar atelectasis. Last medically reviewed on October 25, 2017, After recovering from a life-threatening infection, I was discharged without being told I was at risk for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), the set. The 2023 edition of ICD-10-CM J98.11 became effective on October 1, 2022. 6. Richard B. Gunderman. It occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) within the lung become deflated or possibly filled with alveolar fluid. Extended bed rest without altering position for extended periods of time. The atelectasis is typically basilar and segmental in distribution. You can get RSV twice or even more often than that. Youre at a higher risk for atelectasis if you have: There are three main types of atelectasis: compressive, resorptive (obstructive) and contraction. eds. minimal bibasilar atelectasis on ct scan Summary. At the time the article was last revised Daniel J Bell had no recorded disclosures. Resorptive atelectasis happens when the oxygen and carbon dioxide in your alveoli move into your bloodstream and no new air moves in. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. . At the time the article was created Craig Hacking had no recorded disclosures. The condition is treated based upon what is triggering the condition. But atelectasis can cause permanent damage in some cases. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. (1986) Radiology. Home. These generally include pain relievers, breathed in bronchodilators and acetylcysteine. This condition causes problems in breathing and may occur after a surgery. Getting rid of the cause frequently helps the atelectasis go away. . tumors, lymph nodes that are enlarged, et al). Br J Radiol. A blood clot can cause bibasilar atelectasis if the blood escapes the bloodstream and enters the inside of the lungs. The following are some possible complications of bibasilar atelectasis: Treatment for bibasilar atelectasis is based on whats causing it. Peaks means both lungs. Minimal bibasilar atelectasis. Smoking or excessive exposure to cigarette smoke. Bob Jarman. Many cases of atelectasis get better without treatment, under careful monitoring by your healthcare provider. I have atelectasis in both lungs, I also have emphysema! Bibasilar atelectasis is a partial or complete collapse of one or both lungs. patients with prolonged shallow breathing, early interstitial lung disease: prone CT chest can usually differentiate 2, ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads, Please Note: You can also scroll through stacks with your mouse wheel or the keyboard arrow keys. 37 wks preg. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. Atelectasis refers to a compression of lung tissue due to lack of proper expansion during breathing. Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. i had abd. Given that dependant atelectasis just occurs under the . Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 11/10/2022. Atelectasis is a condition where alveoli in your lung or a part of your lung deflates, causing a partial or complete collapsed lung. 2009. Diagnosis of Bibasilar Atelectasis. Right small fluid and atelectasis. Well examine in detail some of the treatment options for bibasilar atelectasis based on the particular cause. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. Also, coughing will help clear mucus and other substances from the airways. no evidence for pe. Other devices your doctor may suggest to help keep the airways open include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) machines. This apparently is partial collapse of lungs, which appears to match my symptoms exactly. This may keep you from being able to take deep breaths. Atelectasis normally takes place unilaterally, suggesting in either one lung or the other. If it involves a whole lobe (lobar atelectasis), it may require further investigation; if it only affects a few little areas in the lung (subsegmental atelectasis, i.e. Atelectasis is an important cause of hypoxemia: there is a strong and significant correlation between the degree of atelectasis and the size of the pulmonary shunt (R = 0.81), where atelectasis is expressed as the percentage of lung area just above the diaphragm on CT scan and shunt is expressed as the percentage of cardiac output using the . Kashiwabara K & Kohshi S. Additional Computed Tomography Scans in the Prone Position to Distinguish Early Interstitial Lung Disease from Dependent Density on Helical Computed Tomography Screening Patient Characteristics. In people who have a long-lasting (chronic) condition, further treatment may be needed to manage the underlying cause of atelectasis. But you'll feel a lot better soon. Doctoral Degree. Had lower left pneumonia March 4. It also shows opacity. How to Stretch the Thoracolumbar Fascia Correctly. Surgery that requires anesthesia is a common cause of resorptive atelectasis. A large tumor may not block the airway, but it can put pressure against the lung, causing it to deflate. If cts were free and had no radiation dose, you could prove this by taking a few deep breath Usually an xray report referring to that term is referring to the bottoms of your lungs not being full inflated due to not. These small sacs of air are also known as alveoli. This type of collapse of the lungs is known to occur when the small air sacs which are present in the lungs become deflated. The word atelectasis comes from the Greek terms ateles and ektasis, which mean incomplete and expansion, respectively. Coughing and deep breathing is thought about a preventive measure for atelectasis. 1. Dr.Saleem. In this post, we are going to discuss the importance of thoracolumbar fascia stretching, Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment. Its less common, but bibasilar atelectasis can also refer to a total lung collapse. Inhaled medications to open up your airways (bronchodilators). Pulmonary Pathology. What Are These Tiny Red Spots on My Skin (Petechiae)? Consultation with a specialist physician (and related methods of diagnosing and analyzing your lungs) will help to prescribe the correct treatment. Atelectasis often causes no symptoms on its own, though some underlying conditions that lead to atelectasis (like COPD) can cause symptoms. Answer (1 of 2): Atelectasis simply means volume loss in all or part of a lung. (2017). Often atelectasis takes place after other illnesses or treatments. Integrated. However, there are additional causes as well. To learn more, please visit our, . see full revision history and disclosures, acute unilateral airspace opacification (differential), acute bilateral airspace opacification (differential), acute airspace opacification with lymphadenopathy (differential), chronic unilateral airspace opacification (differential), chronic bilateral airspace opacification (differential), osteophyte induced adjacent pulmonary atelectasis and fibrosis, pediatric chest x-ray in the exam setting, normal chest x-ray appearance of the diaphragm, posterior tracheal stripe/tracheo-esophageal stripe, obliteration of the retrosternal airspace, Anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive interstitial lung disease, leflunomide-induced acute interstitial pneumonia, fibrotic non-specific interstitial pneumonia, cellular non-specific interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitisassociated interstitial lung disease, diagnostic HRCT criteria for UIP pattern - ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT (2011), diagnostic HRCT criteria for UIP pattern - Fleischner society guideline (2018), domestically acquired particulate lung disease, lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma (formerly non-mucinous BAC), micropapillary predominant adenocarcinoma, invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (formerly mucinous BAC), lung cancer associated with cystic airspaces, primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung, large cell neuroendocrine cell carcinoma of the lung, squamous cell carcinoma in situ (CIS) of lung, minimally invasive adenocarcinoma of the lung, diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH), calcifying fibrous pseudotumor of the lung, IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) 8th edition (current), IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) 7th edition (superseeded), 1996 AJCC-UICC Regional Lymph Node Classification for Lung Cancer Staging, Radiopaedia Events Pty Ltd, Speaker fees (past), Integral Diagnostics, Shareholder (ongoing). 158 (1): 41-2. differential diagnoses of airspace opacification, presence of non-lepidic patterns such as acinar, papillary, solid, or micropapillary, myofibroblastic stroma associated with invasive tumor cells. CT scanning should be used to assess obstructive atelectasis; this modality is also helpful in evaluating the mediastinum . Pneumothorax happens when air leaks from the lungs and into the space between your lungs and chest wall. You can prevent bibasilar atelectasis by not ingesting foreign objects and avoiding the use of tobacco, as well the use of anesthetic services when unnecessary. 2. Kemp WL, Burns DK, Brown TG. Posted on 25 fevereiro, 2023 by 25 fevereiro, 2023 by If my chest X-ray and CT scans show mild atelectasis and scarring at both bases, what does this mean? When atelectasis is caused by surgery, your doctor may recommend certain steps to help you expand your lungs. Atelectasis is a fairly common condition that happens when tiny sacs in your lungs, called alveoli, don't inflate. Woodring JH, Reed JC. Symptoms. The most common method to detect atelectasis is an x-ray as it can show any sort of obstruction within the lungs. Atelectasis is collapse of the alveoli which is their normal state when they are not filled with air. common etiologies include granulomatous disease, necrotizing pneumonia and radiation fibrosis. Physical therapy to help promote expansion of your lungs. They need to get airflow in and oxygen to your blood so that your tissues and organs work properly. We have two lungsthe left and the rightboth containing lobes. I do have a history of pain when breathing in and feeling like read more. 15 Potential Sources, Lung Consolidation: The Causes and How to Treat It, Home Remedies to Get Rid of Chest Congestion, http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/meded/medicine/pulmonar/cxr/atlas/atelectasis.htm, https://radiopaedia.org/articles/right-middle-lobe-syndrome, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atelectasis. An abnormal growth can narrow the airway. Mild cases of atelectasis are often seen in people who just had surgery. had a follow-up full ct scan that shows no pe, thank goodness. Patchy atelectasis happens when you dont have enough of a protein in your lungs that helps keep them from collapsing (surfactant). Although blood flow continues, atelectasis results as oxygen and nitrogen gradually get absorbed. The treatment is highly dependent on the condition. In the case of non-obstructive bibasilar atelectasis, your doctor will treat the cause of the pressure. It is very commonly seen in the posterior lung bases on CT, particularly in elderly individuals. This may be a small piece of food, a small piece of a toy, or something similar. Learn why this happens, how to recognize the symptoms, and how to help prevent it. Two-hundred thirty-seven patients admitted to the hospital with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia diagnosed by clinical . Please read the disclaimer. If not treated, there are various bibasilar atelectasis complications that can develop into something more severe. Due to gravity, it usually has a dependent and subpleural distribution. When a mucus plug blocks your airways, suction may be used to remove it. They result in a narrowing of the airways which tend to become blocked easily and make . An X-ray of your chest will confirm the diagnosis. Chapter 13. Respiratory Failure: A small portion of a collapsed adult lung can be . Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 27, 2018. Medications or pain after abdominal surgery prevent you from taking deep breaths and even coughing. 4. Otherwise clear imaged lung bases. Definition of Atelectasis: On x-rays and CT scans, reduced volume is seen, accompanied by increased opacity (chest radiograph) or attenuation (CT scan) in the affected part of the lung. Dependent ways by gravity which indicates on the bottom depending on how you were laying. They never mentioned it to me at the ER until I read the report when I got home. c.t. Get up and walk around, perform breathing exercises and use an incentive spirometer after surgery as directed by your healthcare provider. Deep breathing: Perform deep breathing exercises, focusing on long inhales and controlled exhales.Pain medication may also be prescribed if breathing is especially uncomfortable. . Other types of atelectasis (bibasilar atelectasis, rounded atelectasis, gravity-dependent atelectasis and subsegmental atelectasis) describe the location, appearance or severity of the collapse. Lung tissue illness that impact the structure of the lungs and make it unable to broaden completely. Round atelectasis: Round atelectasis is also called Blesovsky syndrome, or folded lung. Bibasilar atelectasis may not have any symptoms that youll notice. A direct hit to the ribs or lungs via an auto accident, stabbing, or gunshot may lead to lung compression. Something blocking the inside of your lung, keeping air from coming into the alveoli, can also cause resorptive atelectasis. Mild subsegmental atelectasis is a kind of atelectasis where the left lobe of the lungs gets affected. As a result, the lungs are prevented from inflating. Male 30,chest ct shows 6 mm nodular density in the left upper lobe,minimal bibasilar dependent atelectasis, have shortness of breath,it needs surgery? Discoid atelectasis: It is a partial collapse of the lungs in which the collapsed part doesnt properly re-inflate and, as a result, is devoid of airflow. Atelectasis is collapse of the alveoli which is their normal state when they are not full of air. In children, anxiety and getting upset is a crucial symptom. Aug 28, 2016 5:28 PM. pressure outside the lung like a tumor or a growth pushing against the lung, a bone defect or a build up of fluid in between the ribs and the lungs (pleural effusion). Breathing exercises will be important after to keep the lungs open. A CT scan also determines whether a tumor may have caused the lung to collapse, which is something else you may not see in a normal X-ray. . Performing deep breathing exercises. Woodring JH. If atelectasis affects large areas of the lungs, the oxygen level in your blood may go down (hypoxemia). Other disruptions to lung function that may result in bibasilar atelectasis include a lung tumor, increased lung pressure, obesity, and the excessive use of cough suppressants, both prescribed and over-the-counter. If you take a few good deep breaths, you'll eliminate it. Ct scan for different resolved issue showed calcified right hilar lymph nodes. The apex is the top of the lung. Atelectasis is defined as "diminished volume affecting all or part of a lung, which may or may not include loss of normal lucency in the affected part of lung (this finding is not to be confused with diminished volume produced by resection of pulmonary tissue)" ( 1 ). This means that it can be diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively, which can help prevent any further complications. There are also a number of other causes associated with bibasilar atelectasis. If the condition is minor, though the lungs are damaged, it does not affect the quality of life. They lead to a narrowing of the air passages which have the tendency to become blocked quickly and make breathing challenging. Should i be concerned if my ct scan of my lungs shows mild bibasilar gravity dependent atelectasis. Is It Possible to Get RSV More Than Once? An obstruction of lung functioning can come in the form of an inhaled environmental allergen which can cause the lungs to collapse, either partially or in a full capacity. Do not forget that the appointment of drugs, exercise, regimen and diet also depends on age, gender, general physical condition of the patient and other factors. When the alveoli fill with pus or fluid, breathing becomes difficult. Due to gravity, it usually has a dependent and subpleural distribution. The aim of the study is to estimate the prevalence of atelectasis assessed with computer tomography (CT) in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and the relationship between the amount of atelectasis with oxygenation impairment, Intensive Care Unit admission rate and the length of in-hospital stay. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. The diagnosis of atelectasis depends upon the cause. 1.9k views Answered >2 years ago. CT Sarcoidosis; CT scan of the Chest, HRCT Chest; Cultural Aspects; Culture and the X-Ray; The term. It occurs when tiny air sacs in the lungs known as alveoli .