Trapped lung secondary to cardiomegaly in a 78 year-old male with congestive heart failure

Although the etiologies of both trapped lung and cardiomegaly are well-established, co-presentation of the two conditions, and possible interactions between them, are much rarer. Here we describe the case of 78 year-old male found to have both cardiomegaly and trapped lung, with a cause of death of congestive heart failure and subsequent cardiac arrest. This case prompted consideration of possible interactions between the two conditions. Issues related to decision-making for imaging and clinical interventions are also discussed.