Disseminated nodular and miliary lesions of the lung.

Abstract

The recognition of distinct shadow patters has evolved as a useful tool for the interpretation of chest roentgenograms revealing bilateral, disseminated lung disease. Among other signs lesions with fluffy margins, early coalescence, and air bronchograms characterize the acinar pattern which is indicative of lung diseases involving the peripheral air spaces. Reticular, reticulonodular, or miliary densities as elements of the interstitial pattern are indicative of diseases which predominantly involve the interstitital tissue. The analysis of pattern is not diagnostic, but often helps to reduce the long differential diagnostic list.