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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Right Basilar Dependent Atelectasis

I had a CT of my abdomen and lower abdomeb the first of the year. Findings Limited sections through lower thorax demonstrate right basilar dependent atelectasis. Should I have a Pulmonary specialist look at the rest of my lungs? I have had phnemonia the past 3 winters with pleurisy last year. Smoked for 36 years.
My GI is doing a colonoscopy and gastroduodenoscopy on 3/11 But I am also concerned about the results of my liver ...normal in size with a small geographic bordered hypodensity anterior left lobe, adjacent to fissure for falciform ligament, probably representing focal fatty infiltration. Also shows cortical hypodensity posterior right kidney. I have RA and have been on Enbrel and Methotrexate (12) years, Vioxx (4yrs).
Also atherosclerotic calcification abdominal aorta. I am worried that extended use of these meds are beginning to cause damage. Is it possible that I am overthinking things, and shouldn't worry at this point.
Mon, 17 Nov 2014
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Radiologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

Basilar dependent atelectasis is a benign condition and more likely an extension of normal chest findings seen usually in over weight and elderly patients. There are tiny air spaces in lungs. When you lie down for CT scan then the tiny air containing spaces in the dependent portions of lungs is know to collapse because of the weight factor and this is more in the elderly. Please do not worry for it.

The liver is an organ which stores glucose and fats after conversion. It is most likely that there is an area in your liver which is devoid of fat and this is known as fat sparing in liver. It is a common finding and not associated with any disease.

Cortical hypodensity in the kidney is most likely a cyst if mentioned at containing fluid. Cysts can be expected after a certain age and if it is less than 3 cm then there is no need to worry.

Atherosclerotic calcification in aorta is an age related finding and shows the deposition of calcium in the walls of aorta.

Please continue taking your medications without any worries for the above findings on CT scan.
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Suggest Treatment For Right Basilar Dependent Atelectasis

Hi, Thanks for writing in. Basilar dependent atelectasis is a benign condition and more likely an extension of normal chest findings seen usually in over weight and elderly patients. There are tiny air spaces in lungs. When you lie down for CT scan then the tiny air containing spaces in the dependent portions of lungs is know to collapse because of the weight factor and this is more in the elderly. Please do not worry for it. The liver is an organ which stores glucose and fats after conversion. It is most likely that there is an area in your liver which is devoid of fat and this is known as fat sparing in liver. It is a common finding and not associated with any disease. Cortical hypodensity in the kidney is most likely a cyst if mentioned at containing fluid. Cysts can be expected after a certain age and if it is less than 3 cm then there is no need to worry. Atherosclerotic calcification in aorta is an age related finding and shows the deposition of calcium in the walls of aorta. Please continue taking your medications without any worries for the above findings on CT scan.