Radiology Review

Shortness of Breath and Loss of Appetite

Author and Disclosure Information

Shortness of breath and loss of appetite image

What is your impression?


An 80-year-old man presents with a complaint of acute shortness of breath. He says he has had difficulty breathing for the past two months, but the problem has worsened in the past two days. He reports experiencing dyspnea on exertion and denies fever or chills. He says he has had no appetite lately, adding that he’s lost about 20 to 30 lb in the past couple of months. Medical history is significant for atrial fibrillation, hypothyroidism, hyperlipidemia, and remote bladder cancer. He is a former heavy smoker who quit about 30 years ago. On initial assessment, you note an elderly male in mild respiratory distress. His vital signs are stable, except for his O2 saturation, which is 90% on room air. On auscultation, you note decreased breath sounds on the right and occasional wheezing. You order some preliminary lab work, as well as a chest radiograph. What is your impression?


 

References

Answer
The radiograph shows several abnormalities: There is a moderate to large right pleural effusion, as well as a parenchymal density within the right lower lobe. In addition, several of the ribs have a mottled appearance.

All of these findings are highly suspicious for primary as well as metastatic carcinoma. The patient was admitted to the hospital for further workup.

Recommended Reading

Elective Craniotomy Results in Respiratory Distress
Clinician Reviews
Oh, Deer! Accident Leaves Man in Pain
Clinician Reviews
What’s Wrong With This Picture?
Clinician Reviews
Case Studies in Toxicology: One Last Kick—Transverse Myelitis After an Overdose of Heroin via Insufflation
Clinician Reviews
Revenge of the Deer Stand
Clinician Reviews
Secondary Survey of Trauma Patient
Clinician Reviews
Case Studies in Toxicology: The Perilous Pursuit of Perfection
Clinician Reviews
Patient Has No Complaints, But Family Is Concerned
Clinician Reviews
Ladder Becomes Stairway to Urgent Care
Clinician Reviews
Case Studies In Toxicology: Withdrawal: Another Danger of Diversion
Clinician Reviews

Related Articles