Der Radiologe
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Review Comparative Study
[Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias: from classification to diagnostic work-up].
Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) comprise seven entities with distinct histologic patterns. In their idiopathic form IIP are rare diseases. They are, nevertheless, considered prototypes of the much more common secondary interstitial pneumonias. ⋯ On the basis of CT morphology and in the correct clinical context, the radiologist can achieve an accurate diagnosis in many cases. However, due to overlap between the various entities, complementary lung biopsy is recommended in virtually all cases. This article reviews the CT pattern of IIP and offers relevant clinical and histological information for the purpose of enabling the radiologist to understand and participate in the multidisciplinary concept of IIP.
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Emphysema is defined as a condition of the lung characterized by abnormal, permanent enlargement of airspaces distal to the terminal bronchiole accompanied by destruction of the alveolar walls and without obvious fibrosis. It is a very common disease with high morbidity and mortality. ⋯ CT also allows quantification of emphysema and depicts associated changes and complications. The differential diagnosis of emphysema, which is characterized by the absence of clearly definable walls on CT, includes cystic lung disease, bullae, lung laceration, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and lymphangioleiomyomatosis -which are all characterized by visible walls on CT.