Abstract
The cystic lung diseases (CLD) are characterized by the presence of multiple, thin-walled,
air-filled spaces in the pulmonary parenchyma. Cyst formation may occur with congenital,
autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic processes. Recognition of cyst
mimics such as emphysema and bronchiectasis is important to prevent diagnostic confusion
and unnecessary evaluation. Chest CT can be diagnostic or may guide the workup based
on cyst number, distribution, morphology, and associated lung, and extrapulmonary
findings. Diffuse CLD (DCLDs) are often considered those presenting with 10 or more
cysts. The more commonly encountered DCLDs include lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome,
and amyloidosis/light chain deposition disease.
Keywords
lung cyst - diffuse cystic lung disease - chest CT - lymphangioleiomyomatosis - pulmonary
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis
