Imaging Of Lung Disease, Part II: ­Cavities, Cysts, Nodules, And Masses

Abstract

Cavitary lesions may occur in the setting of pulmonary infection, neoplasm, or vasculitis. Cystic lung disease must be differentiated from emphysema and is seen in lymphangioleiomyomatosis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP). Pulmonary nodules are routinely encountered on chest imaging and may be due to benign or malignant etiologies. There are follow-up algorithms that provide recommendations for solid and sub-solid nodules in certain clinical scenarios. Nodules characteristics (such as size, morphology, and number [solitary versus multiple]) and patient characteristics (including age, oncology history, and cigarette smoking status) are important to consider in formulating a differential diagnosis and follow-up plan. Lung cancer screening computed tomography (CT) is now a recommended screening test for high-risk patients who meet certain eligibility requirements, and should be reported according to the Lung Imaging Reporting and Data System (Lung-RADS). This review contains 28 figures, 3 tables and 26 references Keywords: Cavitary Lung Disease, Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis, Cystic Lung Disease, Lymphoid Interstitial Pneumonia, Pulmonary Emphysema, Pulmonary Nodules, Pulmonary Granulomatous Disease, Arteriovenous Malformation, Lung Cancer Screening, Pulmonary Fungal Infection