Childhood interstitial lung disease: A case-based review of the imaging findings

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Genetics

Background:

• Childhood interstitial lung disease (chILD) is a complex group of rare pediatric lung disorders.
• chILD differs significantly from adult interstitial lung disease in cause, progression, and treatment.
• It often stems from congenital or genetic abnormalities impacting pediatric lung development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a pictorial review of chILD imaging findings.
• To categorize chILD based on prevalence in infancy versus non-infancy specific cases.
• To illustrate diverse chILD pathologies using a case-based approach.

Main Methods:

• Review of radiologic and computed tomography (CT) imaging.
• Case-based presentation of various chILD pathologies.
• Categorization of chILD into infantile and non-infantile forms.

Main Results:

• Distinct clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features characterize chILD.
• Imaging modalities like radiography and CT are crucial for diagnosis.
• A wide spectrum of chILD pathologies can be identified through imaging.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of chILD relies on recognizing specific imaging patterns.
• Understanding the age of onset is key to differentiating chILD subtypes.
• Radiologic review aids in managing these rare pediatric lung conditions.