The lung in systemic vasculitis: radiological patterns and differential diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Rheumatology

Background:

• The respiratory system can be affected by systemic vasculitides with varying frequency.
• Lung disease is common in antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated small-vessel vasculitides.
• Pulmonary involvement is less common in immune-complex-mediated and large/medium-vessel vasculitides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review radiographic and high-resolution CT (HRCT) findings of pulmonary vasculitides.
• To correlate radiological findings with pathological results.
• To highlight acute, life-threatening manifestations.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiographic and HRCT findings in pulmonary vasculitides.
• Correlation of imaging findings with pathological results.
• Emphasis on clinical and radiological features.

Main Results:

• HRCT findings include nodules, cavitary lesions, micronodules, consolidations, "crazy paving", tracheobronchial, and interstitial changes.
• Specific patterns are associated with different types of vasculitis.
• Early diagnosis requires integrating medical history, clinical exam, and radiological patterns.

Conclusions:

• Pulmonary vasculitides have diverse HRCT appearances.
• Correlation between HRCT and pathology is essential for diagnosis.
• Prompt diagnosis is vital for managing potentially life-threatening conditions.