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CT mosaic pattern of lung attenuation: distinguishing different causes
E J Stern1, S J Swensen, T E Hartman
1Department of Radiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington, Seattle 98104, USA.
AJR. American Journal of Roentgenology
|October 1, 1995
Summary
Mosaic patterns on lung CT scans can indicate disease, presenting a diagnostic challenge. This study categorizes causes like small-airway, vascular, and infiltrative diseases and highlights distinguishing CT features.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Mosaic patterns of lung attenuation on CT scans are abnormal findings.
- These patterns pose a diagnostic challenge in identifying abnormal lung regions.
- Causes include small-airway disease, vascular lung disease, and infiltrative disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To categorize the known causes of mosaic lung attenuation on CT scans.
- To illustrate how different diseases manifest as mosaic patterns.
- To highlight distinguishing CT features for differentiating disease categories.
Main Methods:
- Review of CT and high-resolution CT scans showing mosaic lung attenuation.
- Categorization of observed diseases into small-airway, vascular, and infiltrative types.
- Analysis of additional CT findings to distinguish between disease categories.
Main Results:
- Mosaic lung attenuation can stem from small-airway, vascular, or infiltrative lung diseases.
- These diverse conditions can produce similar CT mosaic patterns.
- Specific additional CT findings can aid in differentiating the underlying cause.
Conclusions:
- Mosaic patterns on lung CT are indicative of underlying pathology.
- Understanding the categories of disease causing mosaic patterns is crucial for diagnosis.
- Utilizing additional CT findings can help distinguish between small-airway, vascular, and infiltrative causes.