H. Page McAdams MD, Presenter: Research Grant, General Electric Company Consultant, MedQIA Author, Reed Elsevier Author, UpToDate, Inc

1) Describe thin-section CT findings that, in and of themselves, suggest a specific cause for diffuse infiltrative lung disease. 2) Describe thin-section CT findings that, when correlated with clinical information, suggest a specific cause for diffuse infiltrative lung disease.

The diffuse infiltrative or interstitial lung diseases (DILD) are relatively common and can lead to significant disability or even death. Definitive diagnosis usually rests upon a triad of clinical information, thin-section CT (HRCT) findings, and lung biopsy. Thin-section CT is now a mainstay for evaluation of known or suspected DILD and is used as a surrogate for lung biopsy in selected patients. In some cases, CT findings are specific enough to warrant a single best diagnosis and can sometimes obviate lung biopsy ("classics"). In others, CT findings must be correlated with clinical information to yield a specific diagnosis (“near-classics”); lung biopsy can sometimes be avoided these patients as well. However, there are some patients where CT findings and clinical information are just not specific enough for definitive diagnosis; lung biopsy is frequently required in these patients for definitive diagnosis. This case-based review will focus on common forms of DILD whose CT findings can be considered either “classics” or “near-classics” (e.g., sarcoidosis, lymphangitic carcinomatosis, usual interstitial pneumonia, non-specific interstitial pneumonia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, etc.). The role of clinical correlation and lung biopsy for definitive diagnosis will be emphasized when appropriate.

McAdams, H, Diffuse Infiltrative Lung Disease.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14001441.html