Apical lung hernia: radiologic findings in six cases.

Abstract

We performed this study to characterize the clinical and radiologic manifestations of apical lung hernias. Apical lung hernias typically manifest as unilateral, right-sided air radiolucencies at the thoracic inlet on chest radiographs. They are frequently intermittent and can cause lateral tracheal deviation. Radiologic studies performed at midinspiration may not show hernias. Airway fluoroscopy or CT performed at maximal inspiration may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.