Spontaneous segmental pulmonary torsion. A case report

Abstract

Background: Lung torsions have been primarily reported as complications of thoracic surgeries or traumatic injuries. Spontaneous lung torsion is an exceptionally rare event, and cases without predisposing factors are even rarer. It has been suggested that it could be associated with the
presence of other pulmonary conditions that disrupt the normal dynamics and configuration of the lung, such as infections, pneumothorax, atelectasis, tumors, among others. Case presentation: A case of spontaneous lung torsion of the lingula is presented in a 59-year-old woman with no pre-existing pathologies. The patient sought medical attention due to chest pain. The diagnostic suspicion was suggested through imaging, later confirmed through surgery with anatomopathological findings consistent with the diagnosis. Conclusions: Early diagnosis is crucial, as prompt surgical intervention significantly improves the patient’s prognosis. This report emphasizes the importance of considering this pathology among diagnostic possibilities, even in the abscence of predisposing conditions.