Round Atelectasis

This is a case of treated tubercular pleural effusion with rounded opacity showing characterstic apearance of round atelectasis. The characteristic feature of round atelectasis is the comet tail sign. As the lung collapses, the vessels and bronchi that lead to the mass are pulled into the region. As they reach the mass, they diverge and arch around the undersurface to merge with the inferior pole of the mass.

Further reading--
Radiology. 1999;213:553-554

Dr.Sumer K Sethi, MD

Consultant Radiologist ,VIMHANS and CEO-Teleradiology Providers

Editor-in-chief, The Internet Journal of Radiology

Director, DAMS (Delhi Academy of Medical Sciences)