A Stepwise Diagnostic Approach to Cystic Lung Diseases for Radiologists
- Author:
Kyu Chong LEE
1
;
Eun Young KANG
;
Hwan Seok YONG
;
Cherry KIM
;
Ki Yeol LEE
;
Sung Ho HWANG
;
Yu Whan OH
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Lung diseases; Computed tomography; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome; Histiocytosis; Langerhans cell
- MeSH: Amyloidosis; Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome; Bronchiectasis; Diagnosis; Emphysema; Histiocytosis; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell; Lung Diseases; Lung Diseases, Interstitial; Lung; Lymphangioleiomyomatosis; Neoplasm Metastasis; Pneumonia, Pneumocystis
- From:Korean Journal of Radiology 2019;20(9):1368-1380
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Lung cysts are commonly seen on computed tomography (CT), and cystic lung diseases show a wide disease spectrum. Thus, correct diagnosis of cystic lung diseases is a challenge for radiologists. As the first diagnostic step, cysts should be distinguished from cavities, bullae, pneumatocele, emphysema, honeycombing, and cystic bronchiectasis. Second, cysts can be categorized as single/localized versus multiple/diffuse. Solitary/localized cysts include incidental cysts and congenital cystic diseases. Multiple/diffuse cysts can be further categorized according to the presence or absence of associated radiologic findings. Multiple/diffuse cysts without associated findings include lymphangioleiomyomatosis and Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome. Multiple/diffuse cysts may be associated with ground-glass opacity or small nodules. Multiple/diffuse cysts with nodules include Langerhans cell histiocytosis, cystic metastasis, and amyloidosis. Multiple/diffuse cysts with ground-glass opacity include pneumocystis pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia. This stepwise radiologic diagnostic approach can be helpful in reaching a correct diagnosis for various cystic lung diseases.
