HRCT in acute diffuse lung disease.

Abstract

The applications of high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) in the evaluation of acute diffuse lung disease are continually evolving. This review will address the principal morphologic features seen in the acute setting, including ground-glass opacification, air-space consolidation, and bronchial/peribronchial abnormalities. Although not histologically specific, in the appropriate context, these features often reflect an active process that may be amenable to treatment. For each feature, the most common acute diseases exhibiting these features will be reviewed within the context of histologic correlation.