Computed tomography assessment of ground-glass opacity: semiology and significance

J Thorac Imaging. 1993 Fall;8(4):249-64. doi: 10.1097/00005382-199323000-00001.

Abstract

Among the computed tomography (CT) signs of parenchymal lung disease, the ground-glass pattern is the one most difficult to diagnose and most influenced by CT technique. Ground-glass opacity may result from changes in the airspaces or interstitial tissues in acute or chronic infiltrative lung disease. It may also be seen as a consequence of increased capillary blood volume in redistribution of blood flow due to airway disease, emphysema, or pulmonary thromboembolism. Definition of this sign on high-resolution CT (HRCT) images, its various HRCT patterns, and potential pitfalls in its recognition are described with special attention to optimal HRCT technique.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Lung / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lung / pathology
  • Lung Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Diseases / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed*