title: Resolution of obstructive atelectasis with non-invasive mechanical ventilation.
abstract: Bronchoscopy is a commonly used technique in patients with atelectasis due to mucus plugs. We present here the case of an 82-year-old patient with a history of Meige's syndrome who developed acute respiratory failure due to atelectasis of the right upper lobe associated with hospital-acquired pneumonia. The patient had a severely reduced level of consciousness, significant work-of-breathing and severe hypercapnic acidosis, all of which contraindicated bronchoscopy. Bi-level noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIMV) was initiated by way of a face mask. Progress was favourable, with clear clinical and gasometric improvement. The chest X-ray performed 12hours later showed complete resolution of the atelectasis. These data suggest that NIMV may be useful in the treatment of atelectasis is some critical patients.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España. Electronic address: dra.rmmirambeauxv@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mirambeaux Villalona
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: Sagrario
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mayoralas Alises
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: Salvador
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Díaz Lobato
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D063087:Noninvasive Ventilation; D001261:Pulmonary Atelectasis / Q000628:therapy*; D012074:Remission Induction
keywords: Acidosis respiratoria; Atelectasia; Atelectasis; Bronchoscopy; Broncoscopia; Noninvasive mechanical ventilation; Respiratory acidosis; Ventilación mecánica no invasiva