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Mimics, Impersonators, and Semblances of Pulmonary Cysts

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Diffuse Cystic Lung Diseases

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Abstract

There exists a wide variety of pulmonary conditions which can be considered to mimic diffuse cystic lung diseases (DCLDs). Radiologically, a cyst is defined as a round parenchymal lucency with a well-defined interface with normal lung. Cysts are becoming increasingly noted due to improved imaging technologies and more routine use of high-resolution computed tomography (CT). Radiologically, the conditions that can mimic true DCLDs include, among others, emphysema, fibrotic lung disease, neoplastic processes, and a range of infections. Some of these disorders have a higher prevalence than true DCLDs, thus underscoring the need to pay careful attention to these conditions when evaluating a patient with DCLD. This chapter comprises a detailed discussion of a variety of common conditions, which mimic DCLDs. In the course of our discussion, we consider the radiographical and clinical nuances which can help to differentiate these conditions.

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O’Carroll, O., Murphy, D.J., McCarthy, C. (2021). Mimics, Impersonators, and Semblances of Pulmonary Cysts. In: Gupta, N., Wikenheiser-Brokamp, K.A., McCormack, F.X. (eds) Diffuse Cystic Lung Diseases. Respiratory Medicine. Humana, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63365-3_14

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-63365-3_14

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