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.