Pulmonary cavitary lesions: a captivating visual review

Cavitary lung lesions represent a frequent yet challenging finding in thoracic imaging, encompassing a wide range of potential etiologies, including infectious, neoplastic, and inflammatory processes. Accurate diagnosis is essential, as treatment and prognosis vary significantly depending on the underlying cause. This pictorial review aims to provide clinicians, radiologists, and pulmonologists with a comprehensive visual guide to the evaluation of cavitary pulmonary lesions. By presenting a series of carefully selected imaging cases, we highlight characteristic radiological features that help narrow the differential diagnosis and suggest the most likely etiology. We emphasize the importance of integrating imaging findings with clinical history, laboratory data, and follow-up studies to enhance diagnostic accuracy. Specific patterns, such as wall thickness, presence of surrounding consolidation or nodules, air-fluid levels, and lesion distribution, are discussed as critical elements in distinguishing between causes such as tuberculosis, fungal infections, primary lung cancer, metastases, and autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, we discuss common pitfalls and overlapping appearances that may lead to misinterpretation, particularly in immunocompromised patients or in regions with endemic infections. This review also reinforces the value of multidisciplinary collaboration in complex cases, where input from radiology, pulmonology, infectious disease, and pathology can be vital for reaching a definitive diagnosis and guiding appropriate management. By synthesizing visual cues and clinical context, this article aims to enhance the diagnostic confidence of healthcare professionals and ultimately improve patient care outcomes when dealing with cavitary lung lesions.