ATELECTASIA REDONDA DECORRENTE DE ASBESTOSE: UM RELATO DE CASO

Abstract

Objective: To report a case of round atelectasis in the lingula of the left lung, resulting from continuous asbestos exposure, confirmed by histopathological examination. Case description: L.S.C., 26 years old, female, presented to the emergency department on July 30, 2024, with severe dyspnea and chest pain. The patient had been experiencing respiratory difficulty for a few days and had undergone a computed tomography (CT) scan on July 29, 2024, after a private consultation. The scan revealed an area of round atelectasis in the lingula of the left lung. The patient had a 10-year history of occupational asbestos exposure. Due to her clinical condition, she was admitted on July 30, 2024. On July 31, 2024, she underwent a successful pulmonary segmentectomy. The patient was discharged on August 2, 2024. The removed lung segment was sent for histopathological analysis, which confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary asbestosis with round atelectasis. Final considerations: Although rare, round atelectasis is closely associated with occupational asbestos exposure. This condition is often mistaken for neoplasms due to its nodular appearance on imaging. Chest CT is crucial for diagnosis, as it allows better differentiation of the lesion, including the observation of the "comet tail sign," characteristic of round atelectasis. In cases where round atelectasis is suspected, it is essential to investigate prior asbestos exposure. Treatment can be conservative or surgical, especially when the patient presents with complications.