Term: Atelectasis
Definition: Atelectasis refers to the partial or complete collapse of a lung or a section (lobe) of a lung, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange in the affected area.
Phonetic Pronunciation: (at-uh-LEK-tuh-sis)
Etymological Origin: The term originates from the Greek words atelēs (incomplete) and ektasis (expansion), literally meaning "incomplete expansion." It was first used in medical literature in the 19th century to describe lung collapse.
Significance in Asbestos Context: Atelectasis is significant in the field of asbestos because it can occur as a result of asbestos-induced pleural disease, such as pleural thickening or adhesions. A specific form, known as rounded atelectasis, is closely associated with asbestos exposure. This condition involves the folding of lung tissue due to pleural scarring and can mimic the appearance of a tumor on imaging, making accurate diagnosis critical. Understanding atelectasis is important for distinguishing benign asbestos-related conditions from malignant ones, which has implications for treatment and asbestos-related litigation.
Synonyms or Related Terms: Lung collapse, pulmonary collapse, rounded atelectasis (specific form), folded lung, Blesovsky’s syndrome.
Example Sentence: "The patient’s CT scan revealed rounded atelectasis, a condition often linked to asbestos exposure and pleural thickening."
Common Misconceptions:
