Unilateral hyper-translucent lung: a rare case report of bronchial atresia

Abstract

A young female patient with chronic left side chest pain warranted a work-up. Chest X-ray suggested left hyper-translucency. High resolution computed tomography scan revealed left atretic apicoposterior segmental bronchus with an area of hyper-translucency suggestive of bronchial atresia. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings were normal. Spirometry showed moderate restriction with mild obstruction. It is a rare developmental anomaly characterised by interruption of normal bronchial continuity. Most commonly, it involves the apicoposterior segmental bronchus of left upper lobe as seen in our case. Since it is a benign condition, surgical treatment or any aggressive method of treatment is not required. However, intervention may be required in case of life threatening complications.