Pulmonary sarcoidosis mimicking cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis on CT

doi:10.1016/S0009-9260(96)80011-0

Clinical Radiology

Volume 51, Issue 11, November 1996, Pages 807-810

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0009-9260(96)80011-0 Get rights and content

Abstract

Aim:

The high resolution CT (HRCT) characteristics of fibrosing alveolitis and sarcoidosis are well established, and HRCT has been shown to have a high diagnostic accuracy in these two conditions. We report two cases of sarcoidosis with features in common with the usual appearances of cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA).

Patients and methods:

Two adult male patients with sarcoidosis established by transbronchial biopsy or open lung biopsy who had undergone HRCT scanning were reviewed. At presentation both cases had an atypical pattern of radiological abnormality more in keeping with the features of CFA. Two observers independently assessed the CT scans for accepted features of CFA and sarcoidosis.

Results:

In both cases CFA was the most likely radiological diagnosis based on the accepted HRCT criteria for this condition. In neither patient were the appearances suggestive of sarcoidosis. In both cases the predominant distribution of abnormality was peripheral, subpleural and in the lower lung zones rather than peribronchial, central and in the mid and upper lung zones. Nodular opacities were not present in either case.

Conclusion:

HRCT is an accurate and reliable method of suggesting or confirming the diagnosis of CFA and sarcoidosis. In a very small number of cases, sarcoidosis may produce HRCT appearances almost identical to CFA.

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Citation Excerpt :
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Original PaperPulmonary sarcoidosis mimicking cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis on CT

Abstract

Aim:

Patients and methods:

Results:

Conclusion:

Clinical Radiology

Clinical Radiology

Chest

Chronic diffuse interstitial lung disease: diagnostic value of chest radiography and high-resolution CT

Radiology

Chronic diffuse infiltrative lung disease: comparison of diagnostic accuracy of CT and chest radiography

Radiology

The CT findings of pulmonary sarcoidosis: analysis of 25 patients

American Journal of Radiology

High resolution computed tomography in sarcoidosis and extrinsic allergic alveolitis: imaging insights

Sarcoidosis

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Radiology

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Radiology

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Usual interstitial pneumonia: correlation of CT with clinical, functional, and radiologic findings

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CT of interstitial lung disease: a diagnostic approach

American Journal of Radiology

Sarcoidosis manifested as peripheral pulmonary infiltrates

American Journal of Radiology

Original Paper
Pulmonary sarcoidosis mimicking cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis on CT