Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 43(06): 764-779
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755563
Review Article

High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Fibrotic Interstitial Lung Disease

Karen Rodriguez
1   Division of Thoracic Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
,
Christian L. Ashby
2   School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
,
Valeria R. Varela
2   School of Medicine, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
,
Amita Sharma
1   Division of Thoracic Imaging and Intervention, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
› Institutsangaben
Preview

Abstract

While radiography is the first-line imaging technique for evaluation of pulmonary disease, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) provides detailed assessment of the lung parenchyma and interstitium, allowing normal anatomy to be differentiated from superimposed abnormal findings. The fibrotic interstitial lung diseases have HRCT features that include reticulation, traction bronchiectasis and bronchiolectasis, honeycombing, architectural distortion, and volume loss. The characterization and distribution of these features result in distinctive CT patterns. The CT pattern and its progression over time can be combined with clinical, serologic, and pathologic data during multidisciplinary discussion to establish a clinical diagnosis. Serial examinations identify progression, treatment response, complications, and can assist in determining prognosis. This article will describe the technique used to perform HRCT, the normal and abnormal appearance of the lung on HRCT, and the CT patterns identified in common fibrotic lung diseases.



Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
28. Oktober 2022

© 2022. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
333 Seventh Avenue, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10001, USA