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Follicular bronchiolitis: thin-section CT and histologic findings
S J Howling1, D M Hansell, A U Wells
1Department of Radiology, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Canada.
Radiology
|September 9, 1999
Summary
Thin-section computed tomography (CT) reveals small centrilobular nodules as a key finding in follicular bronchiolitis. These nodules are often accompanied by peribronchial nodules and ground-glass opacities on CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Follicular bronchiolitis is a rare inflammatory lung disease.
- It is characterized by lymphoid hyperplasia in the bronchioles.
- Often associated with autoimmune disorders and immunodeficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate thin-section computed tomography (CT) findings in follicular bronchiolitis.
- To correlate CT findings with histological results.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of thin-section CT scans from 12 patients with biopsy-proven follicular bronchiolitis.
- Analysis of CT scans for nodular opacities, ground-glass opacity, and distribution.
- Correlation with open lung biopsy histology.
Main Results:
- Bilateral centrilobular nodules (<3 mm) were present in all 12 patients.
- Peribronchial nodules were seen in 5 patients.
- Ground-glass opacity was observed in 75% of patients.
Conclusions:
- Small centrilobular nodules are the cardinal CT feature of follicular bronchiolitis.
- CT findings can include peribronchial nodules and ground-glass opacity.
- Thin-section CT is valuable for diagnosing follicular bronchiolitis.