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Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: patterns on high-resolution CT
R A Patel1, D Sellami, M B Gotway
1Department of Radiology, University of California at San Francisco, 94143-0628, USA. rita.patel@radiology.ucsf.edu
Journal of Computer Assisted Tomography
|December 6, 2000
Summary
Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, an allergic lung reaction to inhaled antigens, often shows characteristic patterns on high-resolution CT scans. These imaging findings can aid diagnosis, potentially avoiding lung biopsy.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), or extrinsic allergic alveolitis, results from inhaling environmental organic antigens.
- HP can manifest with distinct high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the high-resolution CT patterns of hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of HRCT in HP.
- To correlate radiologic findings with clinical and pathological data.
Main Methods:
- Pictorial essay format.
- Review of HRCT images in patients with HP.
- Emphasis on characteristic imaging patterns.
Main Results:
- HRCT can demonstrate typical patterns of HP.
- In specific clinical contexts, HRCT findings may be diagnostic.
- Correlation between imaging, lung function, and pathology is emphasized.
Conclusions:
- High-resolution CT is a valuable tool for diagnosing hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
- Characteristic HRCT findings can obviate the need for lung biopsy in many cases.
- Integrated analysis of radiologic, functional, and pathological data improves diagnostic confidence.