High-resolution CT of alveolar filling disorders

Alveolar filling process refers to the disease that mainly affects the term inal airspaces. Airspace filling processes are characterized on CT by the p resence of one or more fairly homogeneous segmental, subsegmental, or lobul ar areas of consolidation with little or no volume loss. Acinar nodules and poorly defined centrilobular nodules are associated frequently. Many disea ses can present with alveolar filling disorders. It may be impossible to ma ke a definite diagnosis for the disorders with high-resolution CT (HRCT) fi ndings alone. Integration of HRCT findings with time factors including both evolution and resolution of the disease, and clinical and laboratory findi ngs, however, may provide helpful clues to reach a reasonable diagnosis. HR CT also plays a useful role in determining the extent of a primary disease and in identifying accompanying abnormalities and complications of the dise ase.