Atelectasis, Subpleural Linear Shadow
Jud W. Gurney, MD, FACR
Key Facts
Imaging Findings
Subpleural line paralleling chest wall
Gravity dependent; will resolve when patient placed in nondependent position
Line 1-2 mm thick, 2-3 mm from lung edge
Distal lung line may be hyperlucent or instead of a line, distal lung may also be abnormal, creating a band (dependent density)
Top Differential Diagnoses
Chronic Eosinophilic Pneumonia
Asbestosis
Pathology
May reflect anatomic correlate of closing volume
Clinical Issues
Incidence increases with age
 Axial HRCT shows a subpleural curvilinear shadow  paralleling the chest wall in the dependent lower lobe. Note the hyperlucent lung distal to the line. |
 Sagittal HRCT reconstruction shows the extent of the subpleural line  in the dorsal dependent lung. The line undulates as it parallels the pleura. |
TERMINOLOGY
Abbreviations and Synonyms
Subpleural curvilinear shadow, subpleural lines
IMAGING FINDINGS
General Features
Best diagnostic clue: Subpleural line paralleling chest wall
Patient position/location: Gravity dependent, may resolve when patient placed in nondependent position
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