We present an unusual case in which a patient with asthma presented with acute respiratory
distress of acute onset, secondary to marked atelectasis of the right middle and lower
lobes, which resolved within 24 hr following administration of increased doses of
intravenous steroids, inhalation therapy (β-agonists and steroids), and pulmonary
physiotherapy. This transient occurrence responding to basic therapeutic measures
was considered consistent with the release of a mucous plug which had caused the above
obstruction and associated symptomatology and radiographic findings. This case illustrates
and supports the practice of chest imaging in patients with atypical presentations
of asthma and stresses the importance of pulmonary physiotherapy and bronchodilatory
therapy as primary therapeutic agents in cases of mucous plug-associated atelectasis.
Pregnancy - asthma - mucous plug - atelectasis
