LLL
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Left lower lobe |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LLL stands for Left lower lobe, a respiratory abbreviation.
Lower lobe of the left lung, much of which lies behind the heart on a frontal chest x-ray. Collapse of this lobe is common after cardiac surgery and in ventilated patients.
Example: Post-CABG day 2: LLL atelectasis with retrocardiac opacity; incentive spirometry and chest physiotherapy.
Usage notes
Disease here can be easy to miss because the heart shadow hides it; radiologists look for a retrocardiac opacity, loss of the medial left diaphragm outline or the triangular "sail sign" of collapse. The left phrenic nerve can be stunned by cold cardioplegia during heart surgery, contributing to LLL collapse.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- ICS – Inhaled corticosteroid
- ILD – Interstitial lung disease
- iNO – Inhaled nitric oxide
- IPF – Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
- LABA – Long-acting beta2-agonist
- LAMA – Long-acting muscarinic antagonist
- LPM – Liters per minute
- LRTI – Lower respiratory tract infection
- LTOT – Long-term oxygen therapy
- LUL – Left upper lobe
- MART – Maintenance and reliever therapy
- MV – Mechanical ventilation
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.