Atelectasis and neuromuscular respiratory failure

Chest. 1984 Jun;85(6):792-5. doi: 10.1378/chest.85.6.792.

Abstract

Atelectasis occurred in 17 of 20 patients treated with assisted ventilation for respiratory failure due to neuromuscular disease. A retrospective review of chest roentgenograms and medical records indicated that atelectasis occurs early in the course of respiratory failure and has a predilection for the lower lobes. Atelectasis was associated with infection and persisted despite therapy, often for more than four weeks. This study demonstrates that atelectasis in this condition still occurs frequently despite modern practices of mechanical ventilatory assistance. Infection, occurring soon after intubation, is identified as the principal cofactor.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / complications*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / epidemiology
  • Pulmonary Atelectasis / etiology*
  • Radiography
  • Respiration, Artificial
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / complications*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnostic imaging
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / etiology
  • Time Factors