Ground-glass opacity of the lung parenchyma: a guide to analysis with high-resolution CT.
Ground-glass opacity is a frequent but nonspecific finding on high-resolution CT scans of the lung parenchyma. The underlying abnormality is diverse; any condition that decreases the air content of the lung parenchyma without totally obliterating the alveoli can produce ground-glass opacity. These processes are not visible on high-resolution CT scans. However, in specific clinical settings, the information provided by high-resolution CT is considerable when the anatomic distribution and associated structural changes to the lung parenchyma are analyzed. This pictorial essay illustrates the pathologic basis of ground-glass opacity and provides a guide to the differential diagnosis of the disorders that can produce this appearance.
Engeler
C E
CE
Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota Hospital, Minneapolis 55455.
Tashjian
J H
JH
Trenkner
S W
SW
Walsh
J W
JW
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed