Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis

Atelectasis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Atelectasis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Screening
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Chest X Ray
CT
MRI
Ultrasound
Other Imaging Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis
CDC on Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis
Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis in the news
Blogs on Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis
Directions to Hospitals Treating Atelectasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Atelectasis natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief:

Overview

If left untreated, atelectasis may be fatal in patients and progress to pneumonia, sepsis, and respiratory failure. Common complications of atelectasis include pneumonia, bronchiectasis, hypoxemia, respiratory failure, and sepsis. Depending on the extent of lung involvement at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. Involvement of a small portion of the lung is not associated with life threatening complications, as the remaining lung compensates for the hypoxemia. However, atelectasis is associated with poor prognosis if the surface area of lung involvement is very large, in the presence of pre-existing lung disease, in case of failure to remove obstruction and in case of atelectasis due to cancer.

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis

Natural History

• The symptoms of atelectasis typically develop postoperatively or due to foreign body aspiration, mechanical ventilation or obstructive causes.
• If left untreated, atelectasis may be fatal in patients and progress to pneumonia, sepsis, and respiratory failure.

Complications

• Common complications of atelectasis include:
  • Pneumonia
  • Bronchiectasis
  • Hypoxemia
  • Respiratory failure
  • Sepsis
  • Pleural effusion
  • Empyema

Prognosis

• Depending on the extent of lung involvement at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good.
• Involvement of a small portion of the lung is not associated with life threatening complications, as the remaining lung compensates for the hypoxemia.
• The presence of atelectasis is associated with a particularly good prognosis among patients who develop symptoms postoperatively.
• Atelectasis is associated with poor prognosis in the following scenarios:
  • Surface area of lung involvement is very large
  • In the presence of pre-existing lung disease
  • Failure to remove obstruction in case of obstructive atelectasis
  • Atelectasis due to cancer