Can chest high-resolution computed tomography findings diagnose pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis?
Journal
Radiologia Brasileira
ISSN
1678-7099
Date Issued
2015
Author(s)
Flávia Angélica Ferreira Francisco
Rosana Souza Rodrigues
Miriam Menna Barreto
Dante Luiz Escuissato
Cesar Augusto Araujo Neto
Jorge Luiz Pereira e Silva
Bruno Hochhegger
Arthur Soares Souza Jr.
Gláucia Zanetti
Edson Marchiori
Type
Resource Types::text::journal::journal article
URL Institutional Repository
Abstract
<jats:p>Abstract Objective: The present study was aimed at retrospectively reviewing high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings in patients with pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis in order to evaluate the frequency of tomographic findings and their distribution in the lung parenchyma. Materials and Methods: Thirteen patients (9 females and 4 males; age, 9 to 59 years; mean age, 34.5 years) were included in the present study. The HRCT images were independently evaluated by two observers whose decisions were made by consensus. The inclusion criterion was the presence of abnormalities typical of pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis at HRCT, which precludes lung biopsy. However, in 6 cases lung biopsy was performed. Results: Ground-glass opacities and small parenchymal nodules were the predominant tomographic findings, present in 100% of cases, followed by small subpleural nodules (92.3%), subpleural cysts (84.6%), subpleural linear calcifications (69.2%), crazy-paving pattern (69.2%), fissure nodularity (53.8%), calcification along interlobular septa (46.2%) and dense consolidation (46.2%). Conclusion: As regards distribution of the lesions, there was preferential involvement of the lower third of the lungs. No predominance of distribution in axial and anteroposterior directions was observed.</jats:p>
Subjects
high-resolution computed tomography
;
pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis
;
pulmonary calcifications"