Radiological Evaluation of Cystic Lung Disease

TLDR: The diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are characterized by the presence of multiple, thin-walled, air-filled spaces in the pulmonary parenchyma as mentioned in this paper.

Abstract: The diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are characterized by the presence of multiple, thin-walled, air-filled spaces in the pulmonary parenchyma The differential diagnosis for DCLDs is broad and includes congenital, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic etiologies as well as cyst mimics such as emphysema and bronchiectasis The most commonly encountered DCLDs include lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) Computed tomography (CT) is recommended to evaluate suspected or known DCLD Helpful clues for diagnosis include cyst distribution and shape In addition, ancillary lung and extrapulmonary findings can suggest the diagnosis Chest CT in conjunction with clinical and laboratory information often allow establishment of the diagnosis without further invasive testing