# Unveiling the Mystery of Horseshoe Lung: A Case Report

## TL;DR

A rare case of horseshoe lung, where lung segments fuse behind the heart, was diagnosed using advanced imaging in a 33-year-old man with chest pain.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the diagnostic challenges and confirms the use of CT scans for identifying horseshoe lung.

## Key findings

- A CT scan confirmed hypoplastic left lung and compensatory right lung fusion in a 33-year-old male.
- Horseshoe lung can be asymptomatic and requires advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis.
- Multidisciplinary management and further research are needed to understand the condition's embryological origins.

## Abstract

Horseshoe lung is a rare congenital anomaly where the lower lung segments fuse behind the heart, posing diagnostic challenges that require advanced imaging. In a case involving a 33-year-old male presenting to primary care with left-sided chest pain, an abnormal chest X-ray revealed reduced lung volume and a cystic structure on the left. A CT scan confirmed a small, hypoplastic left lung and compensatory right lung expansion and fusion, leading to a diagnosis of horseshoe lung. The patient, with no significant medical history and normal vital signs, was asymptomatic when seen in the pulmonology clinic and scheduled for routine follow-up. First identified in 1962, horseshoe lung can be confused with other conditions due to its overlapping features. The exact embryological origins are unclear, but advanced imaging such as multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) is essential for accurate diagnosis. Effective management of horseshoe lung requires a multidisciplinary approach and advanced imaging for precise diagnosis and treatment. Further research is needed to understand its embryological origins.