pulmonary disorders
Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia
Diagnosis of Desquamative Interstitial Pneumonia
High-resolution CT (HRCT) Sometimes surgical lung biopsy Chest x-ray can show bibasilar hazy opacities without honeycombing, but is normal in up to 20% of cases of desquamative interstitial pneumonia. HRCT shows multifocal or diffuse, basilar, subpleural ground-glass opacities. Cysts may be present, often in areas of ground-glass opacity. Irregular linear and reticular opacities are common but are not usually the dominant features. Honeycombing may be visible, occurs in the minority of patients, and is usually limited. Surgical lung biopsy is sometimes necessary. 