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Abnormal air-filled spaces in the lung
J E Kuhlman1, B L Reyes, R H Hruban
1Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD 21205.
Summary
This study categorizes abnormal air-filled lung spaces caused by various diseases into five main formation mechanisms. Understanding these patterns aids in diagnosing lung conditions using imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Background:
- Abnormal air-filled spaces in the lungs are indicative of various underlying lung diseases.
- Imaging modalities like radiography and computed tomography (CT) are crucial for identifying these spaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize the radiographic and CT appearances of abnormal air-filled lung spaces.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of air-space formation in diverse lung pathologies.
Main Methods:
- Review of radiographic and CT scans from 150 patients with abnormal air-filled lung spaces.
- Analysis of 300 lung specimens with corresponding high-resolution CT scans.
- Correlation of imaging findings with medical records and pathological data.
Main Results:
- Identified abnormal air-filled spaces associated with infections, vascular disorders, bronchiectasis, emphysema, fibrosis, ARDS, and rare lung diseases.
- Classified air-space formation mechanisms into five primary categories: vascular occlusion/ischemic necrosis, bronchial dilatation, elastic fiber disruption, architectural remodeling/fibrosis, and multifactorial/unknown causes.
Conclusions:
- The five identified mechanisms provide a framework for understanding the pathogenesis of abnormal air-filled lung spaces.
- Radiographic and CT findings are key to diagnosing and differentiating lung diseases based on air-space abnormalities.