Extensive Bilateral Nodular Lung: A Diagnostic Challenge

An elderly female presented to the emergency department with a two-month history of dyspnea on exertion and productive cough. Imaging revealed miliary nodular pattern involving both lungs. She underwent extensive work up evaluating different possible pathological processes. The condition was ultimately lethal. In this educational case report, we review the common - and not-so-common - etiologies that might present with this constellation of signs and symptoms, along with the diagnostic strategies and thought processes used to identify the final diagnosis.