Rounded atelectasis usually results from exposure to asbestos fibers and denotes adhesions to the visceral pleura and evidence of folded atelectatic lung tissue with fibrous bands.

This is primarily an asbestos related pleural lung disease, almost always encountered in Asbestosis.

The mean age at presentation for rounded atelectasis is sixty (60) years, and it predominently occurs in male workers with a history of exposure to asbestos.

Symptoms of Rounded Atelectasis:

Most patients remain asymptomatic until the disease has advanced.

Diagnosis of Rounded Atelectasis:

On chest x-rays and chest CT scans, rounded atelectasis manifests as a subpleural mass, and is often indicative of air bronchograms, and subpleural fat. Parietal pleural plaque is also almost always evident. The unique shape of lobar collapse associated with this lung disease (folded lung syndrome) is some times mistaken for a pulmonary tumor. However, unlike a tumor, Rounded Atelectasis often menifests on chest radiographs in the shape of a comet tail extending toward the hilum. In some cases, diagnostic thoracotomy, and needle biopsies are also needed for positively diagnosing Rounded Atelectasis lung disease.

Rounded Atelectasis Symptoms:

In addition to breathing difficulties, pain/tightness in the chest, and fatigue (due to impaired pulmonary function), symptoms observed during the physical examination may include: dullness to percussion, and diminished breathing sounds over the affected area, and Reduced chest excursion in the affected area.

Treatment, Cures and Remedies for Rounded Atelectasis:

The treatment of Rounded atelectasis focuses on restoring the pulmonary capacity/breathing-comfort to the extent possible, as well as on the management/treatment of the underlying disease. Nebulized bronchodilators may also be prescribed to promote sputum expectoration. Humidity control also helps lower viscocity of the secretions, thereby promoting removal thereof.

Rounded Atelectasis Prognosis:

Rounded Atelectasis often turns out to be a serious, asbestos exposure related occupational lung disease.

For more specific information on atelectasis symptoms, atelectasis diagnosis, atelectasis treatment, atelectasis cures and remedies, and survival rates for specific types of atelectasis, please visit: Adhesive atelectasis, Basilar atelectasis, Cicatrization atelectasis, Compression atelectasis, Consolidation atelectasis, Dependent atelectasis, Lobar atelectasis, Platelike atelectasis, Postoperative atelectasis, Relaxation Passive atelectasis, Replacement atelectasis, Right middle lobe syndrome, Resorptive atelectasis, and Rounded atelectasis.

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