High-resolution computed tomographic characteristics in acute farmer's lung and in its follow-up

High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans are increasingly used in hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP). This study looked at HRCT findings at different phases of farmer's lung (FL), a common form of HP. A cross sectional analysis of 95 HRCT scans of FL cases (20 acute, 75 with a history of FL, 48 still in contact (Ex +) (dairy farm), and 27 who had ceased contact (Ex-)) was made. All scans were read independently by two, and if needed by three, radiologists blinded to the category. The lungs were divided into six regions (fives lobes + lingula), and read for attenuation/mosaic, ground-glass, micronodules, fibrosis, and emphysema. A score of 0-3 was given for each region and each variable: 0 = absence, 1 =50%. Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was also noted. Ground glass, predominating in the lower lobes, was the most frequent feature in the acute and Ex+ cases. Other abnormalities had no preferential distribution. Ex+ had more ground-glass than the Ex- (p=0.0025). Emphysema was more frequently seen than interstitial fibrosis (p=0.004). Mediastinal lymphadenopathy was present in 26 cases (9 acute, 10 Ex+ and 7 Ex-). In conclusion, in farmer's lung: 1) ground-glass predominates in the lower lobes while the other abnormalities have no anatomic predilection; 2) contact avoidance allows a better resolution of computed tomography abnormalities than continued exposure; 3) emphysema is a more frequent finding than interstitial fibrosis; and 4) the presence of mediastinal lymphadenopathy has no negative diagnostic value.