Follicular bronchiolitis: Thin-section CT and histologic findings

Citation
Sj. Howling et al., Follicular bronchiolitis: Thin-section CT and histologic findings, RADIOLOGY, 212(3), 1999, pp. 637-642
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Radiology ,Nuclear Medicine & Imaging","Medical Research Diagnosis & Treatment
Journal title
RADIOLOGY
ISSN journal
00338419 → ACNP
Volume
212
Issue
3
Year of publication
1999
Pages
637 - 642
Database
ISI
SICI code
0033-8419(199909)212:3<637:FBTCAH>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
PURPOSE: To evaluate the thin-section computed tomographic (CT) findings of follicular bronchiolitis and compare them with the histologic findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thin-section CT scans obtained in 12 patients (age r ange, 24-77 years; mean age, 47 years) with follicular bronchiolitis proved at open lung biopsy were reviewed by two observers. Underlying conditions included rheumatoid arthritis (n = 8), mixed collagen vascular disorders (n = 2), autoimmune disorder (n = 1), and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (n = 1). All patients had thin-section Cf scans (1.0-1.5-mm collimation, 11 patients; 3.0-mm collimation, one patient; high-spatial-frequency reconstr uction algorithm) obtained at 10-mm intervals through the chest. RESULTS: The main CT findings included bilateral centrilobular (n = 12) and peribronchial (n = 5) nodules. All 12 patients had nodules smaller than 3 mm in diameter; six patients also had nodules 3-12 mm in diameter. Areas of ground-glass opacity were present in nine (75%) patients. Histologically, all patients had lymphoid hyperplasia along the bronchioles; eight had peri bronchiolar lymphocytic infiltration. CONCLUSION: The cardinal CT feature of follicular bronchiolitis consists of small centrilobular nodules variably associated with peribronchial nodules and areas of ground-glass opacity.