Diffuse lung disease: pathologic basis for the high-resolution computed tomography findings

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) allows accurate assessment of the pattern and distribution of diffuse lung diseases. Optimal interpretation of the HRCT images requires understanding of some basic concepts of normal anatomy, as well as the pathologic basis for the HRCT findings in diffuse lung disease. This review summarizes our experience with over 400 radiologic-pathologic correlations in diffuse lung disease. These correlations include contact radiography with stereo views and stereomicroscopic images of lung specimens. We describe our technique to inflate and fix the lung specimens and illustrate normal and abnormal lung morphology.