Which category of atelectasis occurs due to restrictive fibrosis of the lung/pleura preventing expansion?

• A. Adhesive
• B. Compression
• C. Resorption
• D. Contraction

Answer: (D)

The category of atelectasis that occurs due to restrictive fibrosis of the lung or pleura preventing expansion is contraction atelectasis. This type is characterized by the lung or pleural surface becoming fibrotic, leading to reduced compliance and inability to expand properly during inhalation. The fibrotic changes may be due to various conditions, such as chronic inflammatory processes or scarring from infections or injuries, which restrict the lung's capacity to inflate effectively.

In contraction atelectasis, the underlying issue stems from the physical changes in lung tissue, rather than external pressure, obstruction of airways, or surfactant deficiency, which characterize the other types of atelectasis. As a result, contraction atelectasis is a directly acquired problem tied to structural changes in the lung and pleura, impacting their ability to expand and fill with air, leading to areas of collapsed lung tissue.