Paediatric Imaging

Lobar emphysema, acquired

Overinflation of a lobe is usually caused by obstruction of the bronchus with air-trapping due to a ball-valve effect, often known as obstructive emphysema (see emphysema obstructive). Lobar hyperinflation may also be caused by bronchiolitis obliterans which destroys peripheral bronchioles and is associated with reduction in peripheral pulmonary vascularity. When this is postinfective it is known as Swyer James MacLeod syndrome and lobar emphysema congenital.

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