Computed Tomography of Diffuse Infiltrative Lung Diseases: Value and Limitations

Abstract

In the last 10 years there has been an increasing amount of literature on the application of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) to the evaluation of patients with diffuse infiltrative lung disease. Although the diagnostic superiority of HRCT over chest radiography in most instances is not in doubt, the clinical indications for HRCT and the selection criteria for patients who will benefit from HRCT continue to evolve. The limitations as well as the advantages of HRCT need to be understood. In addition to the clinical applications of HRCT, the ability of HRCT to quantify various disease patterns has lent insights into the biologic and functional behaviour of several diffuse lung diseases.

Key Words:

High resolution computed tomography - diffuse infiltrative lung disease