Beatrice Feragalli MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Manuela Mereu MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Cesare Mantini MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Roberta Polverosi, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Salvatore Magnasco, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maria Luigia Storto MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The respiratory system may be involved in all systemic vasculitides, although with a variable frequency. Aim of our review is to describe radiographics and CT findings of pulmonary vasculitides and to correlate radiological findings with pathological results.

Lung disease is a common feature of ANCA-associated small-vessels vasculitides, including Wegener’s granulomatosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, and Microscopic Polyangiitis. Pulmonary involvement is less frequent in immune complex-mediated small-vessels vasculitides, such as and Goodpasture's Syndrome. Pulmonary involvement associated to large-vessels (Gigantocellular arteritis and Takayasu’s disease) or medium-vessels (Nodose Polyarteritis and Kawasaki’s disease) vasculitides is extremely rare.

We describe the main clinical and radiological features of pulmonary vasculitides and correlate CT findings (solitary or multiple nodules, cavitary lesions, micronodules with centrolobular or peribronchial distribution, airspace consolidations, “crazy paving”, tracheobronchial involvement, interstitial disease) with pathological results. A thorough medical history, careful clinical examination and the knowledge of radiological patters are mandatory for a correct and early diagnosis.

Feragalli, B, Mereu, M, Mantini, C, Polverosi, R, Magnasco, S, Storto, M, The Lung in Systemic Vasculitis: Radiological Patterns and Differential Diagnosis.  Radiological Society of North America 2010 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 28 - December 3, 2010 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2010/9015933.html