Correct!
4. The unenhanced thoracic CT shows absence of identifiable left lung tissue
The right main bronchus and right-sided bronchi appear widely patent- no right-sided endobronchial lesion is seen, and no right lung mosaic perfusion to suggest air trapping is noted. Right lower lobe consolidation and a small right-sided parapneumonic effusion is present. No pneumothorax is noted. A trace amount of left pleural liquid is difficult to exclude, but no significant left-sided pleural thickening is present, and therefore no evidence of left-sided visceral pleural restriction is seen. A rudimentary left mainstem bronchus is present, but appears to end blindly, and no left lung parenchyma is identified. A normal right pulmonary artery is present, but no left pulmonary artery is seen and no left-sided pulmonary venous structures are present. The right lung volume is large, representing compensatory overinflation, and extends across midline to contact the left chest wall. The heart is completely shifted into the left thorax and rotated posteriorly.
Which of the following represents the next most appropriate step for the evaluation of this patient? (Click on the correct answer to proceed to the eighth of nine pages)