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Radiology of Chronic Cavitary Infections
Loren Ketai1, Bart J Currie2, Michael R Holt3,4
1Department of Radiology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM.
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|July 27, 2018
Summary
Chronic cavitary lung disease, often caused by tuberculosis, can also stem from endemic fungi, nontuberculous mycobacteria, Aspergillus, and Melioidosis. Radiologic evaluation aids in differentiating these infectious causes from tuberculosis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Radiology
Background:
- Chronic cavitary lung disease is an uncommon pulmonary infection pattern.
- Tuberculosis is the most common worldwide cause, but other pathogens can mimic its presentation.
- Geographic ranges of some causative agents, like Melioidosis, are wider than previously thought.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse infectious etiologies of chronic cavitary lung disease.
- To highlight radiologic findings that can help differentiate these conditions.
- To emphasize the importance of considering non-tuberculous causes in endemic and non-endemic regions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of infectious causes of chronic lung cavities.
- Analysis of radiologic patterns associated with various pathogens.
- Comparison of imaging findings to differentiate from tuberculosis.
Main Results:
- Endemic fungi, nontuberculous mycobacteria, chronic Aspergillus infections, and Melioidosis can all cause chronic cavitary lung disease.
- Radiologic evaluation, alongside laboratory methods, is crucial for diagnosis.
- Subtle imaging differences and underlying lung disease can aid in distinguishing causes.
Conclusions:
- Chronic cavitary lung disease has multiple infectious etiologies beyond tuberculosis.
- Radiology plays a supportive role in diagnosis by identifying characteristic patterns.
- Awareness of diverse pathogens and their geographic distribution is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.
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