High-Resolution Computed Tomography of Cystic Lung Disease

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Pathology

Background:

• Cystic lung diseases (CLDs) are defined by multiple, thin-walled, air-filled spaces in lung tissue.
• Cyst formation can stem from various causes including congenital, autoimmune, inflammatory, infectious, or neoplastic processes.
• Distinguishing CLDs from mimics like emphysema and bronchiectasis is vital to avoid misdiagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of cystic lung diseases (CLDs).
• To highlight the role of chest CT in diagnosing and evaluating CLDs.
• To discuss common diffuse CLDs (DCLDs).

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on cystic lung diseases.
• Emphasis on chest CT findings for diagnosis and workup.
• Classification based on cyst characteristics and distribution.

Main Results:

• Chest CT is instrumental in diagnosing CLDs, guiding further evaluation based on cyst morphology, number, and distribution.
• Diffuse CLDs (DCLDs) are characterized by 10 or more cysts.
• Common DCLDs include lymphangioleiomyomatosis, pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, lymphoid interstitial pneumonia, Birt-Hogg-Dubé syndrome, and amyloidosis/light chain deposition disease.

Conclusions:

• Accurate identification of CLDs and their mimics through imaging is essential.
• Chest CT plays a key role in the diagnostic pathway for patients with suspected cystic lung abnormalities.
• Understanding the spectrum of DCLDs aids in appropriate patient management.