C. Schaefer-prokop et al., High-resolution CT of diffuse interstitial lung disease: key findings in common disorders, EUR RADIOL, 11(3), 2001, pp. 373-392
High-resolution CT (HRCT) is the radiological imaging technique that most c
losely reflects changes in lung structure. It represents the radiological m
ethod of choice for the diagnostic work-up of patients with known or suspec
ted diffuse interstitial lung disease. A single HRCT finding is frequently
nonspecific, but the combination of the various HRCT findings together with
their anatomic distribution can suggest the most probable diagnosis. The p
urpose of this article is to summarize the classic HRCT features of the mos
t common diffuse interstitial lung diseases. Lists of differential diagnose
s and distinguishing key features are provided to improve diagnostic confid
ence. The presence of classic HRCT features often obviates the need for bio
psy. In patients with atypical findings, HRCT can be used to determine the
most appropriate biopsy site.