Question: Atelectasis - is this something I should follow-up, or is it a 'normal' finding? :


Hello! I was being evaluated for an ongoing medical condition (not specific to lungs) and as incidental finding, there was a notation in the notes of my CT scan:

Focal nodular infiltrative oapacity within the medial basilar segment of the right lung; pneumonitis versus atelectasis.

The CT was done in the ER and we were concentrating on the problem that brought me there and not this incidental finding. Is this something that is likely 'nothing' or should follow-up be done? I don't want to miss something that might be serious, but also don't want to undergo another CT scan unless absolutely necessary. If the cause of the finding was something serious (i.e., a tumor) wouldn't that have showed up as well and it would have been noted as such? Again, just trying to avoid an unnecessary CT scan if in fact it isn't necessary, but don't want to ignore if it could be something more serious.

Thank you for your expert advice, doctor!


Forgot to say, I am a 45 year old female, non-smoker, no reason to be concerned about any lung diseases (that I know of). Just wanting to make sure that I am not ignoring something that might warrant further attention :). I tend to panic and think the worst, so I will be concerned about this until I know more about exactly what this 'finding' means or doesn't mean :) Thank you again for the input.

Hello, Dr. Pragnesh!

Thank you for your reply. Here are the responses to your questions:

1. What is the primary condition for which you were taken to ER?

I had a history of kidney stones and thought that I was dealing with another one due to some ongoing pain that I had in my pelvic region.

2. Any medications that you are currently taking. I take plaquenil for fibromyalgia/arthritis, and prozac. No other medications.


3. What is your occupation and how long is it? Do you work in a factory that release chemicals in the smoke like Asbestos, Lead, Coal etc? I work in an office environment, and have never worked in a factory.


4. Why was the CT scan of thorax advised? To rule out kidney stones.

I am a female, 45 years old, non-smoker. Other than the fibromyalgia/arthritis and periodic bouts with kidney stones, I have no known health concerns or conditions. Thank you for clarifying with any additional information that you might have based on my responses. From what I understand you are saying, this is NOT life-threatening or cancerous?