Accuracy of chest high-resolution computed tomography in diagnosing diffuse cystic lung diseases

The diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs) are a group of pathophysiologically heterogeneous processes characterised by the presence of multiple, thin-walled, air-filled spaces within the pulmonary parenchyma [1]. The differential diagnosis of DCLDs includes lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), follicular bronchiolitis (FB), lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia (LIP), Birt–Hogg–Dubé syndrome (BHD), pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH), amyloidosis, light chain deposition disease, cystic metastases, infectious entities such as Pneumocystis , and other aetiologies [2]. Bronchiectasis and bullous changes seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can also produce high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) patterns that mimic the DCLDs. Correct diagnosis of diffuse cystic lung diseases is established in most cases by critical review of HRCT features