Abstract

Objective: Middle lobe syndrome (MLS) is a condition characterized by chronic or recurrent atelectasis of the right middle lobe of the lung. There is nonspecific clinical finding. Computed Tomography (CT) is the most commonly used modality in MLS diagnosis. We Aimed To Present The CT findings of : patients who have been diagnosed MLS in our clinic for the past two years with literature. Materials and Method: Between May 2015 and May 2017, CT and clinic findings of 29 patients who are diagnosed MLS reviewed retrospectively by two cardiologist and a chest diseases doctor. Results: 17 of the 29 patients (58,6%) were female and 12 (41,4%) were male who are diagnosed with MLS. Female/male ratio was 1,42. The Mean Age of these cases was 59,4 ± 17,01 (8-84 age range). In Clinical Assessment The Most Common Symptoms Were Cough, shortness ofbreath and sputum. Radiologically, all patients had atelectasis in the right middle lobe of lung at the CT examination. The Most Common Accompanying Findings with atelectasis were mediastinum and/or hilar lymphadenopathy in 11 patients, bronchiectasis in 6 patients, parenchymal findings compatible with infection in 4 patients. Any Lung Pathology Wasn't detected in 4 patients. Conclusion: MLS is a total atelectasis of the middle lobe of right lung and there is nonspecific clinical findings. İt Should be absolutely considered among the differential diagnosis in patients with chronic and recurrent lung complaints, especially in the located lesions that in right lung. The frequency of radiological appearance increased with the routinizing of CT. CT is an effective and non-invasive imaging method for diagnosis of MLS.

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