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Semin Respir Crit Care Med 2003; 24(4): 347-356
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-42371
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

High-Resolution Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Diffuse Lung Disease: A Clinical Perspective

Athol U. Wells
  • Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, England
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Publication History

Publication Date:
18 October 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) has a central role in the routine detection and diagnosis of individual diffuse lung diseases. The widespread use of HRCT has been stimulated by numerous published series, which have evaluated the accuracy of HRCT in cohorts of patients. However, these series have not simulated the integration of HRCT into clinical diagnosis, and this has led to difficulties in achieving the optimal diagnostic use of HRCT in routine practice. This article summarizes the problems facing the clinician in applying HRCT series to diagnosis in individual patients. The flaws in published series are discussed and the importance of integrating HRCT data with baseline clinical information and, in selected cases, histopathologic findings is highlighted.

KEYWORDS

High-resolution computed tomography - diagnosis - detection of disease

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