Computed tomography in the assessment of diffuse lung disease.
Computed tomography (CT) has a significant impact on the evaluation of patients suspected of having diffuse lung disease. The technique is based on thin-section scans and high-resolution reconstruction. CT interpretation is based on a recognition of the main pattern, associated findings, and distribution of the lesions assessed at the regional level as well as the level of the secondary pulmonary lobule. CT may demonstrate clinically suspected abnormalities undetected on the radiographs. It may have characteristic pictures in patients with non specific findings on the radiograph. It can be used to limit the differential diagnosis to a few possibilities. In selected cases, in the presence of the appropriate clinical setting, CT appearances can be diagnostic or so strongly suggestive that lung biopsy can be avoided. When a lung biopsy is indicated, CT has a considerable value in determining the most appropriate site for the biopsy. To a certain extent, CT may also provide information on disease activity and prognosis, particularly in the differentiation between inflammatory changes, potentially treatable or reversible, and irreversible lung fibrosis.
Grenier
P
P
Service de Radiologie Polyvalente Diagnostique et Interventionnelle Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France.
Brauner
M
M
Valeyre
D
D
D001706:Biopsy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed