I was recently in the ER with extreme pain beyond belief and it turns out that I had a few kidney stones on the left (one in the kidney and one in the ureter and it was unclear whether or not I had two or three as they kept changing stories). In the CT scan (no contrast) they wrote, Minimal dependent atelectasis in posterior lower lungs. Minimal linear atelectasis/fibrosis at lung bases. No pneumoperitoneum is seen. What does this mean? My dad died of pulmonary fibrosis at 84. I m 60. I learned that the minimal dependent atelectasis is common in people experiencing severe pain, but it s the fibrosis part that I don t understand. Do I need to go see a pulmonologist?
Minimal dependent atelectasis and minimal linear atelectasis/fibrosis at lung bases is very common after age 45-50. Without additional findings they are not cause for concern. Just these findings doesn't require additional study. But if you have respiratory problems or family history about pulmonary diseases, you can see a pulmonologist. Some devoloped countries do a low dose thorax CT for pulmonary scanning after age 50 even if there is no complaint.
If you smoke, I suggest you to quit so general aging process of your lungs slows down.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards, Dr. HAMZA EREN GUZEL, Radiologist
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What Does This CT Scan Report Mean?
Hi, Minimal dependent atelectasis and minimal linear atelectasis/fibrosis at lung bases is very common after age 45-50. Without additional findings they are not cause for concern. Just these findings doesn t require additional study. But if you have respiratory problems or family history about pulmonary diseases, you can see a pulmonologist. Some devoloped countries do a low dose thorax CT for pulmonary scanning after age 50 even if there is no complaint. If you smoke, I suggest you to quit so general aging process of your lungs slows down. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. HAMZA EREN GUZEL, Radiologist